Essential Air Service carrier selection for Imperial County Airport
Imperial County, California
Summary
Boutique Air made its final pitch to take over the county's subsidized air service, offering LAX, San Diego, or LAX-plus-Vegas options with $39 fares and a promised local maintenance base. The Board hasn't picked a carrier yet.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 2
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed Feb 17, 2026.
Impact analysis
Federal subsidy of roughly $5.6-$5.9 million per year depending on the option chosen.
Residents needing medical travel and business connections; potentially up to eight local maintenance jobs if Boutique builds a base here.
Mentions & discussions (2)
Board of Supervisors - Special Meeting - Feb 17, 2026
Six airlines pitched to be the county's recommended carrier for federally subsidized flights out of Imperial County Airport. The Board went with SkyWest Charter — 14 weekly flights to LAX on 30-seat jets — after Supervisor Escobar pushed for more frequency and Supervisor Hawk liked Boutique's fuel and maintenance commitments. The DOT makes the final award.
Board of Supervisors - Feb 10, 2026
Boutique Air made its final pitch to take over the county's subsidized air service, offering LAX, San Diego, or LAX-plus-Vegas options with $39 fares and a promised local maintenance base. The Board hasn't picked a carrier yet.
We'll email you when it's on an upcoming agenda and when it's voted on, at most once a day.
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