Chicago is now only a non-stop flight away from Rapid City every month of the year.
United Airlines has announced plans to extend its Chicago-Rapid City service year-round, after a number of successful summer seasons. American Eagle, which entered Rapid City Regional Airport in April, will also extend its seasonal Chicago service through the month of October.
Airport director Cameron Humphres said having year-round service to Chicago O'Hare International Airport will provide Black Hills travelers with stronger connections to the East Coast, especially during the winter months.
O'Hare is one of the largest airports in the U.S., with nearly 355,000 departing flights scheduled in 2009, according to U.S. Department of Transportation statistics.
"It's going to give our passengers, both inbound and outbound, better connections worldwide through the winter months, and it's going to help keep our overall ticket prices competitive," Humphres said.
Airport officials have been trying to convince United to fly year-round to Chicago for a number of years, Humphres said. But it was the merger of Delta and Northwest and their cutback in service to Minneapolis that opened the door for expanded United service.
"That really gave United the opportunity to take up some of those passengers who are looking for East Coast connections," Humphres said. "Going to Chicago provides great East Coast connections."
United's announcement comes on the heels of another strong month of passenger numbers at the regional airport.
In June, 67,758 passengers traveled to and from Rapid City, up 6.6 percent over June 2009. Total available seats also increased in June to 80,902, and the percentage of seats filled, or load factor, was at 83.8 percent, up from 80 percent in June 2009.
"We're on pace to surpass our 2008 numbers, and that was a record year for us," Humphres said. "With the economic downturn, the vast majority of airports saw losses. It's obvious we're starting to pick up lost ground. It's a really good indication for the future."
Contact Emilie Rusch at 394-8453 or emilie.rusch@rapidcityjournal.com.
