HURON — The new owner of Skyways Aviation of Huron and his team were welcomed to the city Thursday with a ribbon cutting followed by a short complimentary flight on a charter jet.
Jon Mende of Warwick, N.Y., recently purchased the long-time Huron business from Skyways founder Danny Hofer. Hofer will remain on the team as general manager.
“We’re really happy that they’re here and think this will be a great addition to the city of Huron and also for the state of South Dakota,” Mayor Paul Aylward said.
City officials met with the new owners on Wednesday evening “to learn a little bit about them and let them learn a little about us.”
Greater Huron Development Corporation President and Chief Executive Officer David McGirr said the GHDC board and staff have been working with Hofer and Mende for several months to help facilitate the move.
Mende said Skyways plans to create quality jobs for its Huron-based operation. The company will work with the community to offer charter flights to destinations such as Omaha and Minneapolis in the Upper Midwest region, but also to other places that passengers want to go, he said.
He said Skyways will be a first-class facility for the city.

“It’s great to have such a business-friendly state,” Mende said. “I think there’s quite a future ahead for all of us.”
Speaking on behalf of Gov. Dennis Daugaard and Commissioner Scott Stern was Joe Fiala, community development director in the Governor’s Office of Economic Development.
“What an exciting occasion to have an announcement like this and welcome a new business to Huron and to South Dakota,” Fiala said.
He said he had had an opportunity to meet with Mende to learn of the company’s plans.
“He and his company are going to be a great fit for our state and for Huron,” Fiala said. “We speak the same language, we talk about the same stuff. What an exciting thing.”
Skyways will add jet aircraft to its fleet and employ a dozen jet-certified pilots.
With the city no longer having commercial air service, the business community in particular sees charter service as an option for travel needs.
Skyways has the only jet aircraft based in South Dakota that are used for charter service. Jets are available at all times to transport up to eight people at a cruising speed of 500 mph.
The aircraft have a non-stop range of 2,500 miles at cruising altitudes between 40,000 and 50,000 feet, allowing pilots to fly above inclement weather.
Also, Skyways has affiliated its aircraft fuel systems with multiple national fuel discount programs, making Huron a very attractive stopover for all types and sizes of aircraft.
In the future, Mende said the company will offer expanded aircraft maintenance capabilities in Huron.

PHOTOS BY ROGER LARSEN/PLAINSMAN
New Skyways Aviation owner Jon Mende cuts the ribbon Thursday as city and state officials, chamber ambassadors and others welcomed him and his team to Huron. Skyways announced a nationwide expansion of its charter flight business.