The marriage between Northeast Michigan and SkyWest seems a solid one.

That is the impression members of the county’s airport committee shared Thursday. Alpena County Regional Airport Manager Steve Smigelski told the committee that a recent visit from SkyWest representatives resulted in assurances from them that next year, when a new service contract comes up to service Alpena, SkyWest would be a bidder.

That is great news for the region. Interest in the Alpena route hasn’t always been the case, but since SkyWest took over servicing it, generally speaking the flying experience has been a much better one for area residents. While some might long for Minneapolis service again, or a change in flight schedules perhaps, most would agree that service has been much more reliable and consistent, with fewer canceled flights than what was the case from previous providers.

And, since the beginning of the year, the number of enplanements at the airport has been increasing each month.

All of which bodes well for continued air service, which we believe is essential to the continued economic growth of our region.

We’re glad SkyWest officials discovered for themselves the potential this region offers them.