The Kearney City Council on Wednesday authorized the city manager to enter an agreement with SkyWest Airlines to restore a daily round-trip service between Kearney and Chicago O’Hare.

City attorney Michael Tai told the council the Department of Transportation selected SkyWest as the Essential Air Service (EAS) carrier in August 2024 and the contract before the council would add one daily round trip under the United Express brand. Service is scheduled to begin April 30, 2026, and the contract period would mirror the city’s existing EAS term, ending Oct. 31, 2027. The agreement guarantees a minimum seat capacity of 41 on the aircraft (CRJ-200 / 50-seat configuration) and contemplates quarterly subsidy payments by the city tied to passenger revenues and load factors; Tai said the maximum potential subsidy during the contract term is approximately $2,400,000.

Council members asked technical questions about the minimum-seat guarantee, flight timing (an afternoon departure was anticipated) and transitional pricing. The mayor and multiple council members emphasized community support for restoring Chicago service and noted local parking will remain free. Following discussion, a councilmember moved to authorize the city manager to sign the agreement; the motion passed on a roll call vote.