City officials joined representatives from the Joplin Airport Board and the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce in a Ribbon Cutting event on June 3 for the new air service through United Express, operated by SkyWest Airlines. Earlier this year, the City announced this new service for Joplin that offers flights to Chicago, Denver and Houston. This is the first time that the Joplin Regional Airport offers flights to three hubs which extends connections options for both business and leisure travelers.
Held at the Joplin Regional Airport terminal, the group welcomed travelers coming from Chicago on the morning flight with greetings and gift bags. These travelers also experienced the ceremonial water cannons being shot over their aircraft as they taxied to the terminal. This is a longstanding tradition to welcome new service at a terminal.
“We are very excited in starting this new service for travelers in the Joplin region,” said Airport Manager Steve Stockam. “Air service is a tremendous asset for our community, not only for individuals or families traveling, but also for economic development in our region. It’s important for businesses to have access to affordable service for their staff, as well as having quality and convenient service for people coming into the Joplin metro area to conduct business.”
The new United Express flights will be on board a 50-seat Bombardier CRJ-200 aircraft, for the three-year term from June 1 through May 31, 2024. There will be daily trips to Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), Denver International Airport (DEN) and George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). This new service results from the recent award by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to SkyWest for the Essential Air Service (EAS) program offering service to Chicago and Denver. SkyWest later announced their additional daily flight service to Houston.
