Pendleton City Council tables decision on airport’s next air service provider
By Griffin Beach on Wednesday, January 21st, 2026 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
PENDLETON – A selection committee’s recommendation for the next Essential Air Service contract at Eastern Oregon Regional Airport led to a lengthy City Council debate Tuesday, ending with officials tabling the decision to gather more information.
Airport Manager Dan Bandel presented the committee’s report, which named SkyWest Charter as the preferred carrier among four applicants. The committee evaluated SkyWest, Boutique Air, Contour Air and Advanced Air based on criteria including safety, reliability, affordability and route connectivity.
The committee highlighted SkyWest’s plan to use 30-seat regional jets as a primary factor. The report noted that larger aircraft could bolster tourism, business appeal and potential airport growth.
“(SkyWest’s) proposal demonstrated a high level of safety, operational reliability, strong connectivity to major destinations, and a commitment to serving the needs of our region,” the report stated
Bandel said increasing passenger volume could significantly boost the airport’s federal Airport Improvement Program funding. He also noted SkyWest’s relationship with Alaska Airlines, which could lead to Alaska-branded jets and broader connectivity at Portland International Airport.
However, council members raised concerns regarding cost and convenience.
“I think what Pendletonians like is the free parking, the $69 flights, and the fact that you don’t have to go through TSA, and we’re proposing to change all three of those things,” Councilmember Sean Butler said.
Boutique Air, the current provider, uses 8 to 9 passenger Pilatus PC-12 aircraft. Because the aircraft are smaller, passengers currently bypass TSA screening. Bandel told the council that implementing TSA is a necessary “cost of doing business” for expansion.
Cody Thomas, SkyWest’s managing director of market development, said that growing the airport’s customer base would be a major focus for them, suggesting a 30-seat jet would attract travelers who currently don’t use the airport.
SkyWest’s proposal includes 12 round-trip flights between Pendleton and Portland. Thomas added that non-contract flights to Boise could be a future option.
Nic Newsome, assistant chief pilot for Boutique Air, noted that one option in their proposal includes an option for flights to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. He also emphasized Boutique’s history of adding extra flights during major local events like the Pendleton Round-Up, and Pendleton Whiskeyfest.
The council opted to delay its recommendation to the U.S. Department of Transportation to further study the impact on local travelers, with Butler as the only vote against tabling. Bandel said he is confident he can secure an extension on the public comment period, which was originally set to expire Thursday.
