Aviation View Jan 2023

147 AVIATION VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 2, ISSUE 4 WATERTOWN REGIONAL A I RPORT ituated along the banks of Lake Kampeska and Pelican Lake, Watertown really earns its name. According to the last US census, the town is home to roughly 22,600 people. Initially, Watertown was established as a railway terminal, but now it is the fifth largest city in South Dakota. It’s also known as the home of the Redlin Art Center and the Bramble Park Zoo. This prairie paradise is the perfect breakaway destination. Watertown Regional Airport (ATY) was established in 1935 by a local company that operated a scheduled service between Minneapolis to St. Paul International Airport and Watertown. Recently, the airport underwent a major renovation and moved its operations from the older building initially erected in the 50s to a new facility. In its previous year, between June 2020 to July 2021, enplanements (passengers traveling in and out of the airport) were around 18,000, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Currently, domestic flights operate between Denver, Colorado, and Chicago, Illinois. On Tuesdays, flights only leave for Chicago, and on Saturdays, only to Denver. These flights are only operated by Denver Air Connection. This has provided a massive benefit to the community. “Denver Air is our airline of choice, as they continuously make an effort to keep ticket prices affordable. Otherwise, our community would need to make an hour-long drive to the closest flight out of the state. The next closest is three and a half hours away,” says Rob Cyrus, Airport Manager for Watertown Regional Airport, South Dakota. By connecting residents to these massive hubs, Watertown is really connected to the world. S