More Denver flights scheduled out of Prescott Regional Airport

Popularity of the nonstop flights from Prescott Regional Airport (PRC) is such that United Express, operated by SkyWest Airlines, is going to add a second daily, round-trip, nonstop flight to Denver beginning March 5, 2020.
That increase doubles the number of departures from the airport to Denver and complements the daily nonstop flights to Los Angeles.
In addition, United Express is adding an additional 450 seats on flights this Thanksgiving and Christmas season, airport officials announced.
Airport Director Robin Sobotta said, “This is an impressive testament of the airline’s faith in the strong demand for air service in the area. Some smaller airports must provide revenue guarantees to air carriers to gain additional flights. However, no guarantee was required for this additional flight, because of the extraordinary commercial air service market found in Prescott.”
In the 17 months since United Express passenger service began, more than 61,000 passengers have flown to or from the airport.
A press release issued by the City indicated the additional Denver flight will operate for four months — March through June 2020. The flight will then pause during the summer months because the midday summer heat, coupled with PRC’s shorter runway, causes weight restrictions on flights.
However, when the runway is lengthened, it is anticipated that service will increase.
In the meantime, City officials are waiting for word from the Federal Aviation Administration that a grant application requested several months ago has been approved. Those funds are to help the City meet the $13,894,531 construction price for a new terminal and related facilities and equipment.
The City Council has been considering sources of funds for extension of the runway used by commercial jets. Also, the Arizona Department of Transportation has indicated it would provide $1 million that could be used for design and related expenses for the terminal.
City officials are pleased that the FAA-Western Division earlier this year named PRC (also known as Ernest A. Love Field) as the 2019 Outstanding Airport. The FAA recognition said in part, “This award is granted in recognition of the exemplary work done by the City in proactively creating a Prescott Regional Airport-Ernest A. Love Field master plan with significant involvement from the community, focus upon enhancing safety of the airport, and accommodating continued growth in commercial passenger service.”
The FAA has elevated PRC to Primary Commercial Airport Status.
Prescott Mayor Greg Mengarelli commented, “The City has an amazing team that has accomplished so much in a short time. We are proud of our airport staff and all City support personnel who have helped us get to this point.”