On October 15, American Airlines’ regional unit, American Eagle, launched services at Santa Maria Airport in California, marking an important expansion for the airport. The new route connects Santa Maria to Phoenix and effectively doubles the airport’s flight offerings, adding a second destination alongside Allegiant’s established route to Las Vegas. This development enables passengers to access numerous connections across the United States and beyond, a connectivity not seen for several years.
Prior to this launch, Santa Maria had limited service, with United Express providing flights to Los Angeles until 2015 and to San Francisco until 2016. The return of service to Phoenix represents a significant shift for the airport, which previously experienced up to six daily flights to Los Angeles. American Eagle’s entry into the market is particularly noteworthy as it is the first time Santa Maria has been linked to Phoenix Sky Harbor.
American Eagle operates the new route with SkyWest’s 76-seat CRJ900 aircraft, flying twice daily on a route that covers 429 nautical miles (approximately 795 km) each way. The schedule includes a very early morning departure at 05:03 from Santa Maria, allowing passengers to connect to over 50 destinations from Phoenix between 08:30 and 10:30. According to data from Cirium Diio, this early flight is the first California-Phoenix service offered by either American Eagle or American mainline.
Santa Maria’s Expanded Connectivity
The new schedule includes daily flights from Santa Maria to Phoenix departing at 14:50 and returning at 05:03. On select days, additional flights will be available, enhancing the options for travelers. The following table outlines the mid-November flight schedule:
– **Phoenix to Santa Maria**: Daily at 14:50-15:48
– **Santa Maria to Phoenix**: Daily at 05:03-07:50; additional flights on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays at 18:55-19:49, and on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays at 21:37-22:33.
Despite previously having a sole service to Las Vegas through Allegiant, this new route signifies a broader network capability for Santa Maria. Allegiant has served the Las Vegas route for 19 years, operating twice weekly on an A319, but now accounts for only 12% of flights and 23% of available seats at the airport.
American Eagle’s twice-daily service shifts the focus from point-to-point traffic to a more extensive connectivity model. This strategy not only enhances travel options for Santa Maria residents but also positions American Airlines as a key player in the Californian market, now serving 17 airports across the state, surpassing competitors like Alaska Airlines and United.
A Broader Impact on the Market
The addition of Santa Maria to American Airlines’ network is part of a larger strategy, as the airline continues to expand its reach in California. Earlier this year, American added flights to Carlsbad, further increasing its presence in the region. This growth reflects a robust competition within the airline industry, with American Airlines now offering more Californian destinations than others, including Delta, Southwest, and Frontier.
As American Airlines continues to broaden its footprint, the new Santa Maria route showcases the airline’s commitment to enhancing regional connectivity. This expansion not only benefits travelers but also has potential economic implications for the local community, increasing access to business and leisure opportunities.
The launch of American Eagle’s service at Santa Maria represents a significant milestone for the airport and its passengers, highlighting the ongoing evolution of air travel in California. With the return of connectivity to Phoenix, travelers now have more options than ever before, setting the stage for increased growth and opportunity in the region.
