Essential Air Service carrier selection for Imperial County Airport
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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