By Chris Taylor
Paducah, KY – SkyWest Airlines is looking to begin service out of Barkley Regional Airport by the start of next year. Airport Manager Richard Roof says he anticipates the US Department of Transportation to approve a federal subsidy for the airline within two weeks. Board members met with an airline executive Tuesday, where they were told operations will begin two to three months after the approval. Whether or not local fliers will use the new service to Chicago is yet to be seen; some 70% use other airports. Still, SkyWest sees the Paducah market as underserved and is confident their jet service will be successful. The Paducah Sun reports Barkley's current carrier Mesaba will continue to fly passengers to Memphis, Tennessee until SkyWest begins operations.