Southern Airways submits proposal to offer flights as SkyWest exits Pueblo Memorial Airport

PUEBLO COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) -- While SkyWest Airlines opted against continuing service to Pueblo Memorial Airport, another airline is gearing up to take over those flights.

According to The Pueblo Chieftain, SkyWest announced plans in March to pull daily flights from Pueblo and 28 other small communities due to a pilot shortage. Initially, SkyWest officials said they hoped to come up with a creative way to fulfill the federally mandated Essential Air Service flights obligation.

However, SkyWest officials told have decided against putting in another proposal.

Now, Southern Airways LLC is the next in line to take over the flights. According to our news partners, Southern Airways already flies into Denver from Chadron, Nebraska. Chief Commercial Officer for Southern Airways Mark Cestari said it's the "largest commuter airline in the country."

In its proposal, Southern Airway indicated the airline will offer low-cost Pueblo flights with plans that are capable of keeping up with Colorado flights. That includes flying up to 300 miles per hour and plans better at handling high winds and extreme conditions.

The proposal submitted says the airline will offer flights between four and five times a day with fares starting at $49.