SkyWest Airlines (OO, Salt Lake City) has been chosen by the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) to provide Essential Air Services (EAS) at Clarksburg, West Virginia. The annual subsidy is USD2.85 million.

The airline will provide 6x weekly flights to Chicago O'Hare and 6x weekly flights to Washington Dulles using 50-seat CRJ200s. It is replacing ViaAir (Orlando International) whose contract was terminated by the airport on June 1 following "poor service".

Other contenders for the route were Boutique Air, SkyValue Airways, Southern Airways and Ultimate Jetcharters. SkyWest's proposal was supported by the Benedum Airport Authority which represents the airport.

In awarding the route to SkyWest, the DOT took into consideration the problems Clarksburg airport has had so far in securing a reliable provider.

"The Department is also highly cognizant of the fact that Clarksburg has experienced significant air service complications and SkyWest has a proven record of providing reliable EAS at other markets around the country," the decision says. "The air carrier's service package will allow passengers to connect to air service provided by a variety of full service, low-fare/cost, and international air carriers at ORD and IAD. Additionally, the Department finds SkyWest's service levels and subsidy rates to be reasonable."

The contract runs from November 1, 2017 to October 31, 2019.