"Boutique Air continues air service to Pendleton" by East Oregonian (Pendleton, #Oregon) - Setting aside a Pendleton city council recommendation in February to switch Essential Air Service (EAS) providers from Boutique Air (21/week on 12-seat Pilatus PC-12 turboprop) to SkyWest Charter (12/week on 30-seat Bombardier CRJ200 jet), US DoT approved continuing Boutique Air as the EAS provider for #KPDT - #KPDX airline service through 2030. https://eastoregonian.com/2026/05/19/boutique-air-continues-air-service-to-pendleton/ #aviation #travel #avgeek #PNW

Added context: Pendleton, #Oregon is on I-84 about half way between Portland (through the Cascade Range via the Columbia River Gorge) and Boise (over the Blue Mountains), 3+ hours either way. Also 1hr15 drive to Pasco WA Tri-Cities Airport #KPSC. Pendleton has not had passenger rail since Amtrak closed the Pioneer line in 1997. #KPDT airport maintains airline service only through federal Essential Air Service grants. #aviation #travel #avgeek #PNW