PDT EAS contract expires this spring
By Terry Murry on Thursday, February 1st, 2024 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
PENDLETON – The essential air service contract between the U.S. Department of Transportation and Boutique Air expires in May of this year. The federally-funded program provides grants to connect rural areas with bigger cities via air service.
Economic Development Director Steve Chrisman said the contract means Boutique receives about $3.4 to $3.8 million dollars.
“That goes to maintain our amazing three round trips a day to Portland,” Chrisman said.
It’s a service that he enjoys.
“To be able to keep your belt and shoes on and get to Portland in less than an hour is really remarkable,” he said.
Both Chrisman and Airport Manager Dan Bandel said the indications are that Boutique will apply for a renewal of the EAS contract. They apparently won’t be the only one.
“There has been interest from three other air carrier services,” Bandel said. Boutique flies three roundtrips to Portland daily, using an eight- or nine-seat Pilatus PC-12 aircraft.
