(From the City of Joplin)Joplin City officials are pleased to announce that air service with SkyWest Airlines operated by United Express will continue to offer a dual hub service plan for Joplin throughout 2022.
The service will include a daily nonstop flight to Chicago in the morning with an evening nonstop return arrival. In addition, five days a week travelers can fly to and from Denver. This nonstop afternoon service is available Thursday through Monday.
Earlier this year SkyWest Airlines notified the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) that the airline intended to terminate United Express service at Joplin, MO, and 28 other United Express communities. The decision was not driven by any failure in the USDOT’s Essential Air Service Program (EAS) or the communities. The ongoing national pilot shortage was noted, resulting in service cuts by all U.S. airlines.
Following this announcement, City management worked with their airline consultant Mike Mooney from Volaire Aviation Consulting and SkyWest officials to determine a solution for Joplin area travelers reliant on air service.
“Air service is essential for our community, and drives economic growth and opportunities,” said Nick Edwards, City Manager. “We are pleased to say that Joplin residents can be confident in booking flights for the rest of 2022.”
Travelers can visit FlyJoplin.com or United.com or other travel websites to book flights from Joplin Regional Airport, where parking is free.
It's really sad how Joplin Regional Airport isn't Joplin Regional International Airport yet.
ReplyDeleteThat probably explains why Cooter can't book a non stop flight to Europe out of Joplin.
I can remember the heady days of air travel from Joplin. Ozark offered flights to and from Chicago and St. Louis, Frontier offered flights to and from Denver and Dallas, Royal offered flights to and from Dallas, Northwest offered flights to and from Memphis and Charter Flights were cheap and easy to book. At that time Joplin was a viable option to the drive to either Tulsa or Springfield. The hurrier we go, the behinder we get.
ReplyDeleteBringing American Airlines back would likely increase the volume of business. Chicago is a good connection to the East but Dallas is ten times better than Denver.
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