SkyWest Airlines to Operate New United Express Flights Between Hays and Denver

SkyWest Airlines to Operate New United Express Flights Between Hays and Denver

“The City of Hays is very pleased to receive this announcement from SkyWest for our commercial air service. We believe that SkyWest will provide the area great opportunity for air access to the region and the world. The flight times – an early morning departure, mid day turn around and evening return – create many flight connection options for our flyers and we are excited that we will have reliable commercial air service at the Hays regional airport.” – I.D. Creech, Director of Public Works

HAYS, Kan. April 21, 2014 – The first United Express flights, operated by SkyWest Airlines, from Hays to Denver are scheduled to take off beginning Aug. 1, 2014. These new daily flights make it possible for Hays travelers to easily and conveniently connect to United’s global network at the airline’s Denver hub.

“Having access to reliable, local air service is critical for the economic development of communities and we look forward to the start of these new United Express flights in Hays,” said Mike Thompson, SkyWest Airlines vice president – Market Development. “Hays travelers taking advantage of this new service will enjoy a new connection to an unmatched global network.”

Each of the 12-weekly flights from Hays to Denver has been timed to provide maximum connection opportunities for both business and leisure travelers. Customers will also have the opportunity to accrue frequent flier miles in United’s MileagePlus loyalty program. And with 350 daily United and United Express flights from Denver, Hays travelers have access to destinations around the globe.

The Hays flights will operate using 50-seat Bombardier-manufactured CRJ200 aircraft. These proven regional jets will provide each passenger with a quick, comfortable flight.

Customers may book flights immediately at united.com or by calling United reservations at 800.UNITED.1 (800.864.8331). Remember, the best fares are always available at united.com.

This press release and additional information about SkyWest Airlines can be found at www.skywest.com.

About SkyWest Airlines: As a leading air service provider offering global access to millions of people each month, SkyWest partners with the world’s largest network carriers including United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, US Airways, American Airlines and Alaska Airlines. With a fleet of 336 aircraft, SkyWest’s more than 10,500 aviation professionals operate more than 1,700 flights each day to 181 destinations throughout North America. SkyWest is known for its industry-leading workforce, exceptional leadership team, and continued solid operational and economic performance. The airline is headquartered in St. George, Utah. Visit www.skywest.com  for more information and follow @SkyWestAirlines on Twitter.

Airport Tarmac Delay Contingency Plan

HAYS REGIONAL AIRPORT – AIRPORT TARMAC DELAY CONTINGENCY PLAN

The Hays Regional Airport has prepared this Emergency Contingency Plan pursuant to §42301 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012. Questions regarding this plan can be directed to Robert Johnson at the email address of rjohnson@haysusa.com or by phone at (785) 628-7370. The Hays Regional Airport is filing this plan with the Department of Transportation because (1) it is a commercial airport or (2) this airport may be used by an air carrier described in USC 42301(a)(1) for diversions.

This plan describes how, following excessive tarmac delays and to the extent practicable, Hays Regional Airport will:

·         Provide for the deplanement of passengers;

·         Provide for the sharing of facilities and make gate available at the airport; and

·         Provide a sterile area following excessive tarmac delays for passengers who have not yet cleared United States Customs & Border      Protection (CBP).

Hays Regional Airport has facility constraints that limit our ability to accommodate diverted flights and strongly encourages aircraft operators to contact the airport at 785-628-7370 for prior coordination of diverted flights, except in the case of a declared in-flight emergency. Specific facility constraints include the following: ability to off load aircraft without self contained stairs, and security containment area in excess of twenty passengers for passengers having to clear customs. We have noted these constraints in Hays Regional Airport/Facility Directory record. During diversion events Hays Regional Airport issues NOTAMs regarding its ability to accommodate diverted flights to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the airport and its ability to serve the civil aviation needs of the public during irregular operations events.

Airport Information

Name of Airport:  _Hays Regional Airport________________________________

Name and title of person preparing the plan: Robert Johnson , Airport Manager

Preparer contact number:  __785-628-7370_____________________________

Preparer contact e-mail:  _rjohnson@haysusa.com_______________________

Date of submission of plan: __July 12, 2012_____________________________

Airport Category:    Large Hub  *      Medium Hub  *     Small Hub  *      Non Hub  X

Contact Information[1]

In the event of diversion or other irregular operations events, aircraft operators should contact the Airport Duty Manager, Robert Johnson, at 785-628-7370 or rjohnson@haysusa.com for assistance.

Plan to Provide for the Deplanement of Passengers Following ExcessiveTarmac Delays

Hays Regional Airport does not own or operate any of the equipment needed to safely deplane passengers from air carrier aircraft without self loading capabilities; therefore, unable on its own to provide for the deplanement of passengers. Additionally airport personnel are not trained to assist in the deplanement of passengers using equipment owned or operated by air carriers or contract service providers.

Plan to Provide for the Sharing of Facilities and Make Gate Available in an Emergency

The gate at Hays Regional Airport is a common use and is controlled by the airport. Hays Regional Airport will make its gate and other facilities available to an air carrier seeking to deplane, to the extent practicable.

Plan to Provide a Sterile Area for Passengers Who Have Not Cleared United States Customs and Border Protection[2]

Hays Regional Airport does not have international passenger processing facilities. We will coordinate with local TSA and law enforcement officials to identify suitable areas and procedures for establishing a temporary sterile area into which international passengers on diverted aircraft who have not yet cleared United States Customs and Border Protection can be deplaned. Once these efforts are complete, TSA will coordinate with CBP officials to develop procedures that will allow international passengers who have not yet cleared United States Customs and Border Protection to be deplaned into these sterile areas to the extent practicable.

Public Access to the Emergency Contingency Plan

Hays Regional Airport will provide public access to its emergency contingency plan through one or more of the following means:

·         Posting in a conspicuous location on the airport website (http://www.flyhays.com)

·         Providing notice of the availability of the plan on the airport’s social media accounts.

·         Posting signs in conspicuous locations in the terminals.

·         Advertising the availability of the plan in local newspapers of record.

General Information – Hays Regional Airport

General Information – Hays Regional Airport

The Hays Regional Airport is located east of the city and features two runways.

Runway 16-34 is a 6,500 foot by 100 foot asphalt concrete runway.

The airport also includes Crosswind runway, 4-22, which is a 4,500 foot by 75 foot concrete runway.

The 9,000 square foot passenger terminal provides office and ticket counters for Great Lakes Airlines in addition to Hertz Auto Rental.

At the present time there are three to four flights daily to Denver, Colorado.

The Fixed Base Operator at the airport is Hays Aircraft. Services provided are flight instruction, charters, mechanical service, jet, and aviation fuel.

The airport also has rental cars, hotel courtesy cars, and public transportation to and from the airport.