Sisters couple buys air taxi franchise

The Central Oregon communities of Sisters, Bend, Sunriver, Redmond, Madras and Prineville will soon have air service available through a SkyTaxi franchise owned by Bruce and Carla Merrell.

The Merrells, long-time residents of Sisters and owners of Laredo Construction, formed a new company, Merrell Air, Inc., and purchased a SkyTaxi franchise earlier this year. They are preparing to launch service in October.

The service will allow Central Oregon travelers to book flights from their local airport of choice to any of the more than 300 community airports in the Northwest.

SkyTaxi Inc. launched service in late April 2002, and primarily provides air travel to and from Northwest communities that are often difficult to get to because of poor access to air service.

Flights leave when the traveler wants to leave, to go where they want to go in comfortable style.

The service uses Cessna Chancellor, twin engine aircraft.

Travelers can book flights on SkyTaxi by calling the company's central reservations office in Salem at 1-866-759-8294.