USDOT could decide EAS carrier for Pendleton in January

By Terry Murry on Monday, December 29th, 2025 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

PENDLETON – The Essential Air Service (EAS) contract between the U.S. Department of Transportation and Boutique Airlines expires in 2026. Four companies, including Boutique, have applied for the contract.

The Eastern Oregon Regional Airport is the only facility in Oregon able to make use of the EAS program. The federal plan helps pay for air transportation round trip to the city of Portland. It was instituted when the airline industry was deregulated to provide air service from rural to urban areas.

Economic Development and Airport Director Steve Chrisman said a decision by the USDOT could be announced next month.

“We would either retain the Boutique service or a new service would begin I believe in March is what Dan Bandel, the airport manager told me,” Chrisman said.

In addition to Boutique, the other carriers applying for the contract are Advanced Air, Contour Air, and Skywest Charter. Bandel has formed a selection committee which will recommend one of those carriers to city officials. While the city can express its desire, the decision is made at the federal level.