Search Has Begun To Replace SkyWest at Fort Leonard Wood

The search has already begun to find a replacement essential air service carrier for SkyWest, who on Thursday notified the U-S Department of Transportation that it no longer wants to serve Fort Leonard Wood and 28 other cities in the midwest.
Waynesville-St. Robert Joint Airport board members issued a statement Friday afternoon saying, quote, “We are disappointed with the news that SkyWest has filed notice to end service due to an ongoing pilot staffing imbalance across the aviation industry. Customers should be aware that there are not immediate changes to flight schedules. We will be working closely with SkyWest and the Department of Transportation in the coming months to help ensure a smooth transition for customers. We appreciate the partnership we have with Skywest.” Unquote.
Skywest, who receives federal monetary support for every essential air service customer, stated it wanted to be relieved of its contracts to supply air service in 90 days to 29 locations, which in addition to Fort Leonard Wood, also includes Cape Girardeau and Joplin, Missouri.
If the Department of Transportation agrees, SkyWest could stop service to the communities when a replacement essential air service carrier or carriers are found.