SkyWest Direct Flights to Portland Restores Northbound Service from Southwest Oregon Coast

SkyWest United Express to bring twice-daily direct flights from Portland to Southwest Oregon Regional Airport

NORTH BEND, Ore. – Aug. 28, 2008 – The Coos County Airport District today announced, along with Governor Ted Kulongoski’s office, the start of SkyWest United Express non-stop service to Portland International Airport (PDX) from Southwest Oregon Regional Airport (OTH) on Oct. 12.

This announcement culminates successful negotiations initiated by the District in partnership with the Oregon Commercial Air Service Coalition formed by Governor Kulongoski. Partners also include the South Coast Development Council, local state legislators, Senator Joanne Verger and Representative Arnie Roblan and the Congressional Delegation with special thanks to Congressman Peter DeFazio. In addition, several key local businesses such as Bandon Dunes Golf Resort and Sause Bros Ocean Towing have been instrumental in helping to achieve the goal of continued commercial air service to Portland.

The new SkyWest/United Express service ensures that travelers to and from North Bend/Coos Bay experience uninterrupted northbound service following the withdrawal of Horizon Air from Southwest Oregon Regional Airport Oct. 11. The Portland route comes just months after SkyWest/United Express began direct flight service to San Francisco and coincides with the recent unveiling of a newly remodeled terminal at Southwest Oregon Regional Airport.

“We are absolutely thrilled to see this service provided to the North Bend and Coos Bay communities,” said Ron Opitz, executive director of the SCDC. “This service, along with the new direct SkyWest United Express service to San Francisco, provides essential flight options for residents and business travelers.”

“SkyWest has received a warm welcome from Coos Bay,” said Mike Thompson, vice president – market development for SkyWest Airlines. “We are encouraged by the strong response to our convenient San Francisco service, and we anticipate that the new northbound service to Portland will be met with similar enthusiasm.”

Tickets to and from Portland via SkyWest United Express are now available for travel starting Oct. 12 by visiting www.united.com.

About the South Coast Development Council (SCDC). The South Coast Development Council is a private, non-profit organization designed to help create living-wage jobs for Coos and western Douglas Counties. It is financially and politically supported by both public and private groups and dedicated to improving the region’s economy.
The South Coast offers the only commercial airport on the Oregon Coast (for more information visit www.flyoth.com).
The South Coast Development Council is an economic development clearing house with the goal of maintaining and improving the economic viability of the southern Oregon coast. Visit www.scdcinc.org or call 800.717.7945 for more information.