Kearney in central Nebraska is considering its options insofar as potential Essential Air Service (EAS) operators are concerned now that its current contract with Great Lakes Airlines (Cheyenne) is near expiration.

Local press reports indicate the town's municipality has been unhappy with Great Lakes' frequent cancellation of flights to Denver International and is now looking to award the new contract to a new operator with at least six other airlines including ViaAir (Orlando International), Elite Airways (MNU, Portland International Jetport), ADI Aerodynamics (Pontiac Oakland County International), PenAir (Anchorage Ted Stevens), Key Lime Air (KG, Denver Centennial), and Boutique Air (4B, San Francisco) having submitted proposals.

While it has submitted its own proposal, Great Lakes' current contract - operating twelve weekly return flights to Denver Int'l using E120 turboprops - will expire on October 30 of this year.