Airline's new Pierre-Twin Cities flight missing something: passengers

PIERRE, S.D. — The initial early morning Pierre-to-Minneapolis flight offered by Great Lakes Airlines had a slight hitch — an empty cabin.

The airline on Monday started offering a second daily flight from South Dakota's capital city to Minneapolis, but the first 6 a.m. flight had no passengers aboard. Airport Manager Mike Isaacs told KCCR radio he expects the early morning flight to be a success, but it will take time for people to become aware of it and take advantage.

Mayor Laurie Gill said marketing efforts are planned to encourage people to fly out of Pierre.

Great Lakes took over service after Delta Airlines cut its Pierre-Minneapolis route because of a drop in passengers. Because of the second flight to Minneapolis, Great Lakes has dropped one of its three daily Pierre-Denver flights.

Tags: news, transportation, travel, updates