Skywest Airlines Terminates their services

The National Pilot shortage is taking a toll on some airlines and has caused an airline to end its services.

Changes are coming to the air service here at Meridian Regional Airport. Due to the Nationwide pilot shortage, SkyWest Airlines has announced its termination of services. We learn from the Reginal Airport President just how that will affect Meridian Regional Airport

“So, sky west is pulling out of 29 cities Nationwide. The changes that will happen is that in each of those cities, there will be a swap to a different Airline, and SkyWest has committed to us to stay in Meridian until that swap can transition smoothly,” said Tom Williams.

Although the change is intact Williams says that there will be no interruptions in the new flight schedule or with their current employees.

“I'm really happy that we will keep all of our employees that are working the ticket counter now for the airline and fully intend to transition them to the new service and keep that same high quality, quality customer service we're proud of here at Meridian Regional Airport,” stated Williams.

East Mississippi Business Development Cooperation gave us their opinion on SkyWest Airline ending its services.

“Being one of the 29 communities, that sky west has pulled out of is obviously very disappointing for our community. But we completely understand the challenges and the issues that they're facing both nationally and internationally. But we know that meridian airport authority, they do a great job, and they will bounce back on their feet. We have no doubts that they will work to find a place,” said Casey Holladay.

Williams says as of now they have no idea how long the change is going to take and that the process starts about 60 days from now and it could possibly take months before finding a replacement.

“Our consultant is working with us to secure airlines that would be interested in serving meridian. We have our criteria we want to meet to make sure that they can serve the military, that they connect to a major airline and a major hub, and that they keep meridian connected to the world,” said Williams.