SkyWest ground handlers leaving GPI this winter

SkyWest Airlines will be transitioning to a new ground handling service this winter at Glacier Park International Airport, the company said in a statement Wednesday.

“This transition will not affect flights,” SkyWest told the Inter Lake.

The regional airline currently provides ground handling services for United Airlines and Delta Airlines flights at Glacier Park International.

There are approximately 90 SkyWest employees at the airport, the company reported. They primarily handle ticketing and baggage services for United and Delta.

With the planned transition to a new ground services provider, SkyWest said “we are working closely with our mainline partners to provide various opportunities for SkyWest employees who are affected, including transfer options within SkyWest.”

The company added, “flights will not be affected and we’re working with our partners to ensure a seamless transition to our customers.”

Airport Director Rob Ratkowski said he expects little to change for people traveling through GPIA this winter and beyond.

The airport, he said, is “really just a third party” to the business dealings between SkyWest and the company they choose to take over their operations locally.

He said the airport is “monitoring” the transition and promised, “we’ll be working with the new managers” when they join GPIA this winter.

“It will be incumbent on them” to ensure the transition goes smoothly and passengers flying Delta and United do not experience hiccups in service, Ratkowski added.

At Glacier Park International, Alaska Airlines handles its own ground operations, and Allegiant Airlines and American Airlines each contract their services to separate ground operations providers.

Skywest’s departure from GPIA is part of the St. George, Utah-based airline’s transition out of a number of other airports throughout the West.

SkyWest declined to comment on a reason for the transition.

Reporter Bret Anne Serbin may be reached at bserbin@dailyinterlake.com or 758-4459.