Sun Country Loses Its Only Essential Air Service Contract

The airline lost the $6.5 million contract to regional carrier SkyWest.

A Sun Country Boeing 737-800 (Photo: Sun Country)

[ U.S. Essential Air Service ]September 11, 2024 2:46 pm ET

By Ryan Ewing

After less than two years of serving the community, Sun Country will lose out on federal subsidies in Eau Claire, Wis. The change comes as the Chippewa Valley Regional Airport Commission overwhelmingly voted in July to support SkyWest’s proposal to serve the region.

In its decision, the airport commission cited more favorable frequencies for both business and leisure travelers. SkyWest plans to operate 12 round-trip flights per week between Eau Claire and Chicago O’Hare under the United Express brand.

With regular service to its Minneapolis hub along with seasonally rotating routes to Orlando, Fort Myers, and Las Vegas, Sun Country currently offers four-weekly round-trip flights to the community on a Boeing 737-800 aircraft. The carrier began serving Eau Claire in December 2022, becoming its only EAS contract.

On Wednesday, the Department of Transportation (DOT) sided with the airport commission’s vote, choosing SkyWest to serve Eau Claire again beginning Dec. 1, 2024. The regional carrier previously flew to the community before Sun Country.

SkyWest’s contract will run through November 2027 and includes nearly $7 million in annual subsidies by its third year.

A Sun Country spokesperson confirmed to AirlineGeeks that service between Minneapolis and Eau Claire will end on Dec. 1, 2024. However, the airline shared that it will continue to offer seasonal service to Fort Myers on Mondays and Fridays between Jan. 31, 2025 and April 7, 2025.

Editor’s Note: This story was updated on Sept. 11, 2024 at 3:20 p.m. ET to add a statement from Sun Country’s spokesperson.

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Ryan Ewing

Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.

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Author

Ryan Ewing

Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.
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