Farmington council awards 4 Corners Regional Airport air-service contract to SkyWest Airlines

The Farmington City Council voted 4-0 at a special meeting to accept the chief procurement officer’s recommendation to award the request for proposals (RFP) for an air-service operator at 4 Corners Regional Airport to SkyWest Airlines.

The award, the council was told, is contingent on available grant funding and on executing a formal agreement with the airline. Jennifer Roland, the city’s chief procurement officer, told the council that only one responsive proposal was received when the solicitation opened on December 30, 2024.

Mayor Duckett said the RFP positions the city to apply for state grant money through the “race program,” which provides subsidies for air service. Mayor Duckett said the city has pursued restoring commercial jet service to the community for years and welcomed SkyWest’s response to the RFP. “This RFP then qualifies us to submit for that grant,” he said. Roland told the council, “One offer was submitted.”

Council discussion was brief. A motion to accept the procurement recommendation was moved and seconded, and the council approved the award by a 4-0 vote. The procurement officer and city staff said they will continue to work with SkyWest and its partners to develop a plan and negotiate an agreement; no dates for service start were specified and the award remains contingent upon receiving grant funding and completing the contract.

The item followed a closed meeting in which the council discussed proposals for an air-service operator pursuant to the statute cited on the agenda. No other items were considered at the special meeting.

Looking ahead, city staff said they will return with any required contract documents and grant-application materials. Details on the scope of proposed service, destinations, schedule and exact subsidy levels were not specified in the meeting record.