Airline wanted

Local nonprofit group Jet Chico outlined its plan to restore commercial air service during the Chico City Council’s meeting on Tuesday (Aug. 1).

In December 2014, Skywest Airlines—which had contracted with United Airlines to provide service between Chico and San Francisco—ceased its operations in the North State. Jet Chico formed in early 2016 and has been working toward renovating and expanding the terminal at Chico Municipal Airport in a bid to attract another airline carrier.

The lack of air service has hurt local business and the city’s ability to attract new ones, said Dan Gonzales, owner of Fifth Sun and a Jet Chico member. He’s had several deals fall through, he said, and over the past year his company has spent roughly $24,000 on Uber rides to Sacramento International Airport.

Construction on the terminal is expected to begin next year.