First Sky West flight wings its way to SFO

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Story Published: Jul 7, 2008 at 11:05 PM PDT

By Kristina Nelson

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NORTH BEND - Loaded up with 22 passengers the first flight of United's much anticipated Sky West service took off from Southwest Oregon Regional Airport Monday evening, winging its way down the coast to San Francisco.

"I think a lot of locals are excited for the service into San Francisco since they're only receiving northbound service, this is a great offer for them," says Sky West's Corporate Communications Director Nicole Drew.

After working on a deal with Sky West for two years now and securing a contract with the airline back in March, the airport and passengers have been eagerly waiting for this day.

"Looking at their advanced bookings, they're looking really strong. We're looking forward to great things in the future with Sky West," adds Airport Executive Director Gary LeTellier

There will be two round trip flights daily in and out of North Bend to San Francisco, with planes fit to hold up to 30 passengers.

Right now, Drew says flight bookings have been looking good.

"This morning the plane came in just about full. This one is leaving with 21, 22 pasengers and we carry 30. It is pretty full and I know that we already are seeing great advanced bookings and we're really excited."

As for the passengers, they're just happy to have a more direct way of getting to their southbound destinations.

"It ought to work great for us. We'll have shorter layovers so that's a good thing," says Coquille resident and passenger John Hartley.

"It's the best, it's convienient for us. We we're hoping it was going to start before the Fourth of July so we booked this one to go home,"says San Francisco residents and passengers Andrew and Jennifer Hall.

While it's just the beginning, both Sky West and the airport are excited about the future and their partnership.

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