City Manager Brenda Jensen announced Tuesday, August 13, that the U.S. Department of Transportation has selected SkyWest Airlines as an Essential Air Service provider for Kearney Regional Airport.

The three-year contract awarded to SkyWest begins on November 1. SkyWest will operate 50-passenger regional jets and offer 12 nonstop round-trip flights per week to Denver.

SkyWest, which operates under the United Express brand, will provide the service, offering greater connectivity and convenience to travelers in the Kearney area, the city said. The airline will offer bookings, connections and baggage transfers that access United Airlines’ global network.

Flight schedules and prices will be announced shortly.

Kearney Mayor Stan Clouse said, “We are pleased to welcome SkyWest back as our EAS carrier. They have provided excellent service to Kearney before and we expect them to continue to do so under this new contract.”

According to the city’s press release, United branded flights will be a great benefit to the community, providing better connectivity for business and leisure travel and promoting economic growth and development in Kearney and the surrounding region.