Flying in and out of Pueblo Colorado is now easier with nonstop flights between Pueblo and Denver Colorado. Southern Airways Express has recently taken over the contract from SkyWest Airlines to fly this route. This route pairing is a part of the United States Essential Air Service (EAS) program. The EAS program was enacted to guarantee that small underserved communities receive air service connecting mainly larger communities. This program is subsidized by the Department Of Transportation. Pueblo airport will see subsidies to retain air service to Denver. SkyWest requested EAS contract terminations of over 30 airports including Pueblo. Southern Airways Express will take over the contract offering a total of 24 weekly round trips to Denver aboard a 9-seat Beechcraft King Air 200 turboprop aircraft.
Unique Aircraft
Flying on EAS routes awards flyers the opportunity to fly on some unique aircraft that are not typically used by mainline or regional carriers. For example, the Southern Airways Express Pueblo route is flown on a Beechcraft Kangari which is mainly flown by charter operators. Another EAS carrier Boutique Air operates various routes using the Pilatus PC12 turboprop which is also a corporate aircraft. Many other communities are placing bids for Essential Air Service Routes that SkyWest has terminated. Be on the lookout for these off the beaten path routes and aircrafts in the coming months