BREAKING: Pendleton City Council recommends SkyWest Charter for airport service

Published 8:10 pm Tuesday, February 3, 2026

PENDLETON — Pendleton City Council recommended switching Essential Air Services providers from Boutique Air to SkyWest Charter.

The 6-1 decision came at the council’s meeting Tuesday evening, Feb. 3, after extensive public comments and a discussion among councilors regarding the benefits and drawbacks to each provider. Councilor Addison Schulberg was not present.

While many Pendleton residents have spoken out in favor of Boutique, including five public comments during the meeting, the members of the Essential Air Services Selection Committee defended their recommendation to switch to SkyWest Charter. Committee member Joseph Hull, in his public comment, cited economic growth as a central reason for the change.

The council, in its discussion, considered the balance of community input with broader impact.

“What we have to wrestle with is not just what is good for individual folks and their convenience, but what’s better for the town long term,” Councilor Brett Mulvihill said.

Councilor Carole Innes was the lone dissenting vote. Councilors Ellie McBride, Brett Mulvihill, Steve Campbell, Linda Neuman, John Thomas and Sean Butler voted in favor of the SkyWest recommendation.

Dan Bandel, airport manager, said in his staff report that “SkyWest Charter is the only viable choice for the future of Eastern Oregon Regional Airport.”

Though the Pendleton City Council has offered its support to SkyWest Charter for the upcoming two-year contract to operate with the federal Essential Air Service subsidy, the final decision will fall to the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Boutique Air’s contract ends May 31, marking the end of 10 years of service. The company offers 21 flights per week on eight-seat aircrafts between Pendleton and Portland but does not fly into a gate at Portland International Airport.

If the USDOT contracts with SkyWest, as recommended, the new provider will offer 12 flights per week on 30-seat jets.

More to come.