SkyWest United Express renews contract to provide service between Southwest Oregon Regional Airport and San Francisco International

The Coos County Airport District today announced that SkyWest United Express will continue flying two direct flights per day through the summer of 2010, between the Southwest Oregon Regional Airport (OTH) in North Bend, Ore., and San Francisco International Airport (SFO). In addition, as a vote of confidence for the long-term sustainability of the route, SkyWest United Express did not request an extension on the subsidy payments from The Coos County Airport District for the SFO flights, which were previously required as a condition of service if load factor dropped below a certain level.

The groundbreaking route between the two destinations will continue to ease travel times to Oregon's beautiful southern coast, eliminate the need for visitors and residents to drive to alternate airports (such as Eugene) and enable convenient connections through San Francisco to cities across the U.S. and throughout the world.

"We are thrilled and appreciative that SkyWest United Express has agreed to continue service in and out of Southwest Oregon Regional Airport," said Mike Lehman, Chairman, Coos County Airport District. "In addition, by agreeing to continue operations without subsidy, SkyWest United Express has expressed their confidence in continued success with service to the beautiful southern Oregon coast."

Since beginning service between Southwest Oregon Regional Airport and San Francisco International Airport in July 2008, SkyWest United Express has seen a steady increase in load factor, which are now at capacity on most flights.

"In any new market, community support is key," said Mike Thompson, SkyWest's vice president - market development. "I'm confident that North Bend passengers will continue to find great value in and utilize the convenient United Express service."

In addition to providing service to and from San Francisco, SkyWest United Express also offers daily northbound flights to and from Portland International Airport (PDX), making the Southwest Oregon Regional Airport the Coos Bay/North Bend area's portal for air travel throughout the U.S. and the world. Tickets for all SkyWest United Express flights may be purchased online at www.united.com.

Thursday, June 11, 2009