Tester hails new Helena-Billings flights

Senator pushed new connection to spur economic development and create jobs

(U.S. SENATE) – Following Senator Jon Tester’s request to increase flights to eastern Montana, Silver Airways’ recently announced that it would begin connecting Helena and Billings in May.

Tester recently called on Silver Airways to offer more flights between western Montana and eastern Montana to support economic growth and help Montanans move around the Treasure State. 
 
Tester praised Silver Airways, formerly known as Gulfstream International Airlines, for stepping forward for Montana’s small businesses and helping to create jobs.

“Bringing Montanans closer together is vital to spurring the Big Sky State’s economy and creating jobs,” Tester said.  “Making it easier to reach eastern Montana will increase access and provide folks with needed services.  I appreciate Silver recognizing this opportunity and look forward to working with other businesses looking to invest in Montana.”

Silver Airways will operate two flights per day between Helena and Billings.  There are currently no direct flights between the two cities, Montana’s capital and its largest city.

The move will allow Helena residents to travel by air to cities in the Bakken region, as well as create additional opportunities to catch connections to Denver and Minneapolis – cities currently accessible from Helena only once per day.
 
Tester consistently pushes increased air service as a way to grow Montana’s economy.  In addition to calling for more flights to eastern Montana, he recently applauded Allegiant Air for announcing new direct flights from Montana to Oakland, Calif. and successfully fought against burdensome new taxes and regulations on general aviation.

Earlier this year, Tester also announced that SkyWest Airlines would service Bert Mooney Airport through the Essential Air Service, after he worked to make the initiative available for communities like Butte.

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