MUSKEGON COUNTY, MI – Starting in November, a new airline will be serving the Muskegon County Airport.
In April, a four-year contract with Denver Air Connection was endorsed by the Muskegon County Board of Commissioners after frequent flight cancellations by Southern Airways Express.
The Federal Aviation Administration signed off on the new airline becoming the airport’s service provider on Thursday, Sept. 19.
The regional jet service is expected to start serving passengers on Nov. 1.
Related: New airline tapped to serve Muskegon County following cancellation concerns
Denver Air Connection will fly 50-seat Embraer regional jets on 24 weekly flights to Chicago O’Hare International Airport. The airline connects to Delta Airlines, American and United. Flight times will be approximately 35 minutes.
“This selection of Denver Air Connection as the air service provider and community partner for Muskegon sets the stage for our much-anticipated return to pre-pandemic levels of jet service,” said Airport Director Ken Efting in a press release Thursday.
Since 2019, the number of passengers utilizing the airport has decreased by 80%. In 2019, the airport saw over 40,000 passengers come through the gates. By 2024, that number has dropped to 5,000.
Currently, the airport sees one to three commercial and 100 private flights per day. In the winter, private flights decrease to about 50.
The airport previously contracted with SkyWest Airlines, who left during the COVID-19 pandemic when there was a national pilot shortage. They were relieved from their contract and, when the Department of Transportation asked for new carriers, Southern Airways Express was the only company to apply.
Efting said the new airline “struggled with operational reliability,” cancelling 43% of their flights and struggling to handle winter weather conditions.
Since Southern Airways Express learned their contract was not going to be renewed, Efting said “they have all but quit.”
“In the last 14 days, they’ve only flown eight flights,” Efting said on Sept. 6.
Denver Air boasts a flight completion rate of 99.75% with more than 80% of flights arriving and departing on-time across their network.
Muskegon passengers will also enjoy a new deal of free parking and checked baggage with Denver Air.
The goal for the first year with Denver Air is to serve 20,000 passengers. Efting said he plans to return to pre-pandemic numbers in the couple years after.
“Reliable air service is the foundation for all of this and we’re very excited and proud to say, ‘welcome home’ to Denver Air Connection,” Efting said in Thursday’s press release.
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Along with the new air carrier, the county airport is undergoing $24 million in major terminal and taxiway renovations. The 95-year-old airport remains open during construction, and short-term and long-term parking have been made free.
Related: Muskegon County Airport ready to take off with terminal upgrades, new airline
The 1994 building will get a new roof, front facade, entryway, 17,000 square-feet of carpet, two new bathrooms past security and a new restaurant.
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