The U.S. Department of Transportation has issued a final order allowing SkyWest Charter to provide air service to small and rural communities. The decision follows a period during which the airline’s operations were delayed.
U.S. Senator Steve Daines commented on the development, stating, “Today’s order by the Trump administration is a huge win for Montana. Many of our small and rural communities, especially in Butte and Yellowstone, rely on small community air service, but the Biden administration stonewalled SkyWest Charter’s operations for over two years. I fought the Biden administration on this every step of the way and am thrilled that President Trump and Secretary Duffy are supporting this vital service for Montana’s rural communities. I look forward to seeing the great impact this will have on our state,” said Daines.
Senator Daines had previously urged Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg to review SkyWest Airline’s request to operate as a commuter air carrier in June 2023, with additional follow-up in February 2024 after continued delays.
