GREAT BEND — The United States Department of Transportation issued an order selecting SeaPort Airlines to provide commercial air service to and from Great Bend. The contract period is for two years.
SeaPort will provide 18 round-trip flights per week. There will be two daily trips to Wichita, and one daily trip to Kansas City on the weekdays. Three flights are also planned on the weekend, although a schedule has yet to be determined.
Martin Miller, airport manager, met with SeaPort CEO Rob McKinney on Monday at the Salina Regional Airport, where SeaPort has been operating since 2010.
According to SeaPort’s bid for air service, an introductory fare of $39 one-way, including taxes and fees, will be offered for the first 30 days, on every seat and every flight.
“SeaPort is now preparing to establish its operation here. Due to the late decision by DOT, it’s not clear when the first scheduled flights can commence,” Miller said. “It’s also important to note that DOT awarded SkyWest service to Denver in 50-seat jet aircraft on the same order. This allows residents of the entire region the option of flying east from Great Bend or west from Hays.