Santa Maria Airport to Reconnect with Broader Air Travel Network
After nearly a decade without hub service, the Santa Maria Airport is finally reconnecting with the broader air travel network. American Airlines, through its regional partner SkyWest Airlines, will be launching twice-daily nonstop flights between Santa Maria and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport starting October 15.
Efforts from airport leaders, city officials, business advocates, and regional partners have led to this milestone, which was celebrated on Thursday. Ignacio Nash Moreno, president of the Santa Maria Airport Board, expressed excitement about the announcement, stating that the community has been asking for more consistent air service for years.
The campaign to bring hub service back to Santa Maria has been strategic and lengthy. Suzanne Singh, representative of the Economic Development Commission, shared that it involved numerous trips to airline headquarters, presentations of local travel data, support letters from Central Coast businesses, and the creation of a financial incentive package.
Singh also mentioned the persistence of the team, despite having to start over when airline leadership changed. She has been working on this project for eight and a half years and is pleased that it has finally come to fruition.
The new route is not just about a trip to Phoenix, but also about global access. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is one of the busiest hubs in the United States, with over 140 daily domestic and international flights. Moreno highlighted that this route will allow travelers to access the rest of the world through this hub.
But for Moreno, the personal convenience is equally important. He shared that he can now fly to New York or Mexico within ten minutes from home, making it accessible and flexible, something that the community has never had before.
Local leaders believe that this service will have a significant impact on the community, boosting economic development and local pride. Santa Maria Mayor Alice Patino believes that it will also bring tourists to the area, allowing them to enjoy the coast, beaches, wine country, and warm breezes in the afternoon.
Patino also commended the airport board for keeping this project under wraps, stating that people do not realize the amount of work that goes on behind the scenes to make something like this happen.
For Santa Maria resident Ann Valente, the announcement changes everything about how she travels. She believes that the new route will bring credibility and awareness to the area, and she is excited to have more flight options. Valente, who has lived on the Central Coast for most of her life, is pleased that the route will help her stay connected to her loved ones, as her brother-in-law lives in Phoenix.
Airport officials are urging locals to use this service to ensure its success. They are encouraging residents to book through Santa Maria instead of driving to airports in Santa Barbara or San Luis Obispo. With free parking, short TSA lines, and a terminal just minutes from home, leaders believe that Santa Maria Airport offers a unique mix of convenience and value with a greater reach.
The new American Airlines flights will operate