Lancaster Airport is poised to offer direct flights to Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) as early as this spring. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced Friday that SkyWest Airlines has been selected to provide Essential Air Service (EAS) to the airport, replacing current contractor Southern Airways Express.
New Service and Contract Details
SkyWest, operating as United Express, plans to operate 12 round-trip flights weekly between Lancaster and Chicago using 50-seat CRJ200 jets. The contract, which runs from March 1 through the end of 2029, will provide between $5.1 million and $5.6 million in annual federal subsidies. This equates to $4,274 per flight and $184 per passenger.
SkyWest officials stated they intend to offer flights seven days a week, though the final schedule and pricing are still being determined. Airport officials anticipate service could begin within one to two months following the transition from Southern Airways Express.
Impact on Current Service
Southern Airways Express currently provides flights from Lancaster to Washington Dulles International Airport and Pittsburgh International Airport, utilizing nine-seat turboprop aircraft. The company has served as Lancaster’s EAS contractor since 2013 and maintains a regional maintenance hub at the airport. Southern’s contract was recently extended through March 31, or until SkyWest is fully operational. It remains unclear whether Southern will continue to offer flights from Lancaster once SkyWest takes over.
Selection Process and Alternatives
SkyWest was chosen over three other proposals submitted by Southern Airways, Breeze Airways, and Boutique Air. While Breeze Airways’ proposal for flights to Raleigh-Durham International Airport garnered the most public support, the DOT determined SkyWest’s plan offered better connectivity. According to the DOT, SkyWest’s service to O’Hare, a major hub airport, and its codeshare agreement with United Airlines, will provide Lancaster passengers with numerous connections to the national air transportation system.
Breeze Airways confirmed that its existing, unsubsidized flights between Lancaster and Orlando will not be affected by this decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Essential Air Service program?
The Essential Air Service (EAS) program, established in 1978, ensures that smaller communities retain access to scheduled air service. It provides subsidies to airlines to serve communities that would otherwise likely lose commercial air service.
When will the new flights to Chicago begin?
The exact start date is still being finalized between SkyWest and Southern Airways Express, but airport officials estimate service could begin within the coming months, potentially within one to two months.
Will Southern Airways continue to fly from Lancaster?
Southern Airways has not yet announced whether it will continue to operate flights from Lancaster to Washington Dulles and Pittsburgh once SkyWest takes over the Essential Air Service contract.
As Lancaster Airport prepares for this transition, will the increased connectivity offered by SkyWest and United Airlines significantly impact travel options for residents of the region?
