On October 15, 2023, American Airlines’ regional unit, American Eagle, commenced service at Santa Maria Airport in California, significantly enhancing the airport’s connectivity. This new route connects Santa Maria to Phoenix Sky Harbor, effectively doubling the airport’s operational routes by adding a second service alongside existing flights to Las Vegas operated by Allegiant Air.
Santa Maria Airport has not seen such connectivity in several years. Previously, United Express provided service to two hubs: Los Angeles until 2015 and San Francisco until 2016. With the introduction of American Eagle, the airport now has two destinations, a considerable improvement for the regional community. The new route marks the first time that Santa Maria has been connected to Phoenix, covering a distance of 429 nautical miles (approximately 795 km) each way. American Eagle operates this route twice daily using SkyWest’s 76-seat CRJ900 aircraft.
New Opportunities for Travelers
The inaugural flights from Santa Maria are expected to provide passengers with extensive options for connecting to over 50 destinations across the United States and beyond. The early morning departure at 05:03 from Santa Maria is particularly noteworthy, as it represents the earliest California-Phoenix service available from either American Eagle or American Airlines’ mainline operations. The next available flight is scheduled for 06:00.
According to schedule analysis using Cirium Diio data, the new service creates a vital link for travelers looking for early connections from California to Phoenix’s busy airport. The schedule includes additional departures from Santa Maria at 16:26 and 18:55 on select days, providing flexibility for different travel plans.
Impact on Santa Maria’s Aviation Landscape
Prior to American Eagle’s entry, Allegiant Air was the only carrier operating flights from Santa Maria, exclusively to Las Vegas. The ultra-low-cost airline has served this route for 19 years and typically runs two flights per week on the A319 aircraft. Currently, Allegiant accounts for 12% of Santa Maria’s flights but provides 23% of the available seats. This contrasts sharply with American Eagle’s twice-daily service, highlighting a shift in the airport’s operational dynamics.
American Airlines, along with its regional partner, will now serve 17 airports in California as of November 2023, surpassing competitors such as Alaska Airlines and United Airlines. This expansion includes new destinations like Carlsbad, which American began serving earlier this year after a hiatus since 1999.
The comprehensive connectivity introduced by American Eagle is expected to have a substantial impact on the local economy, facilitating business travel and tourism in the region. As Santa Maria continues to rebuild its aviation offerings, the introduction of American Eagle’s service is a promising development for both the airport and its community.