Aerodynamics Inc. Makes Inaugural Flight out of Pierre

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — Aerodynamics Inc. has begun flights between South Dakota's capital city and Denver, after a rocky two-year process.

Pierre officials began looking for a new carrier in 2014 after becoming dissatisfied with Great Lake Airlines, whose service was plagued by flight delays and cancellations. That carrier blamed the problems on a pilot shortage caused by federal regulations.

Pierre leaders in late 2014 recommended Aerodynamics take over service under a federal subsidy program but later soured on the carrier due to concerns over finances and management. Last April, they decided to once again recommend Aerodynamics, after the carrier made leadership changes.

Aerodynamics flew its first flight out of Pierre on Monday. Mayor Laurie Gill says the city's goal was to get reliable service to a major hub, and that's been accomplished.

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