Delta Connection rolls out new aircraft in Elko on July 1

ELKO — A new aircraft and new services will take flight beginning July 1 at Elko Regional Airport.

SkyWest, the carrier flying between Elko and Salt Lake City as Delta Connection, will begin using the 50-passenger CRJ-550 jetliner, which is a newer model than the CRJ-900 that had been used on the flights to and from Elko.

The CRJ-550 will have room for carry-on baggage and will offer first-class seating.

"The size of the aircraft doesn't change, but the configuration of the seating changes. It's going to provide a better travel experience for the public," Elko Regional Airport director Jim Foster said.

"What SkyWest is doing is they are taking a similarly-sized aircraft that we currently operate, and they are paring that down to a 50-seat aircraft, which will provide additional luggage space on the aircraft," he said. "For example, sometimes if you have an oversized carry-on bag, they have you checked down at the gate. But this aircraft will be able to accommodate those, so you'll be able to take it into the cabin with you."

As for the seating arrangements, Foster said "there is going to be more leg room." The CRJ-550 will "have multiple classes, with first-class seating, Delta Comfort Plus and then the regular coach."

The aircraft is basically a reconfigured CRJ-700, which has been in use for decades.

Travelers can book flights at flyelkonevada.com or delta.com.

"The new schedule has already been loaded into the Delta booking system," Foster said. "One of the things to remember is that part of the upgrading of this aircraft, in a sense, is the arrival times into Elko will change on certain days." He said arrivals will be different on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

"We're really excited for the community to get this new-to-us aircraft. There are only a few of the CRJ-550s that are in service right now, but Delta and Sky West will be ramping that up to provide that aircraft at future sites as well," Foster said.