HURON — Skyways Aviation in Huron will formally announce a nationwide expansion of its charter flight business at a public ribbon-cutting ceremony at noon Thursday.
Skyways will release details about the addition of several jet aircraft to the fleet, as well as a dozen jet-certified pilots, at the Skyways main hanger at 426 15th St. N.W. at the Huron Regional Airport.
The public is welcome. There will be photos and tours of the aircraft. One lucky person will win a free local ride on a charter jet. Signup for the chance to win is from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Skyways on Thursday.
Jon Mende of Warwick, N.Y., who recently purchased the long-time Huron business, will make the expansion announcement.
Skyways founder Danny Hofer is remaining with the business as general manager.
“I have a lifelong love of aviation and for Huron,” he said. “As I neared retirement, this opportunity was the perfect way to secure the legacy of Skyways, as well as the future of aviation in Huron.”
Skyways now has the distinction of having the only jet aircraft based in South Dakota that are utilized for charter service.
Their aircraft are available 24/7 to transport eight passengers at a cruising speed of 500 mph. Picking up passengers anywhere in the U.S., their aircraft have a non-stop range of 2,500 miles, at cruising altitudes between 40,000 and 50,000 feet, allowing them to fly above inclement weather.
The expansion puts Huron on the map as a nationwide hub for charter flights. In addition, 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.
The company will also be offering expanded aircraft maintenance capabilities in the near future.
In addition to worldwide private air charters, Skyways offers aircraft maintenance, flight instruction, travel agency services and car rentals.
For more information, visit www.skywaysltd.com.
