By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

The new passenger service provider at Hays Regional Airport will use 50-passenger jet planes on the newly improved main runway.

City officials announced Friday afternoon that SkyWest, based in St. George, Utah, has been awarded the federal Department of Transportation Essential Air Service contract for July 1 to July 31, 2016.

“We did a lot of research two years ago ” in recommending SkyWest to DOT, said city commissioner Ron Mellick.  “Great Lakes has become unreliable with lots of cancellations and delays. SkyWest will improve service for the entire region.”

The main runway upgrade from asphalt and concrete to an all-concrete runway was completed in late October, allowing bigger and heavier planes to land in Hays.

Mellick said the terminal also will be upgraded, with bid information expected to come to the commission this week: