American Airlines’ regional unit, American Eagle, has launched a new service at Santa Maria Airport, California, establishing a route to Phoenix that significantly enhances connectivity for the region. This new entry doubles the number of routes available from Santa Maria, which previously only had service to Las Vegas via Allegiant.
The inaugural American Eagle flight took off on October 15, 2023. This marks the first time in several years that Santa Maria has had direct service to Phoenix, which covers a distance of 429 nautical miles (approximately 795 kilometers). American Eagle will operate two daily flights using SkyWest’s 76-seat CRJ900 aircraft, providing vital links for travelers in the region.
Enhanced Connectivity and Flight Schedule
The new route is expected to benefit passengers by allowing connections to over 50 destinations across the United States from Phoenix. The flight schedule includes an early morning departure at 05:03 from Santa Maria, allowing travelers to connect seamlessly with American Airlines’ extensive network. The second flight departs Santa Maria at 16:26. The outbound flights will arrive in Phoenix at 07:50 and 19:15, respectively.
Previously, Santa Maria had limited commercial air service. United Express provided flights to Los Angeles until 2015 and to San Francisco until 2016. With American Eagle’s entry, the airport’s flight options have expanded significantly, bringing a renewed sense of connectivity to the area.
Market Dynamics and Competitive Landscape
Santa Maria’s only other current service is provided by Allegiant, which has operated a route to Las Vegas for nearly two decades. Allegiant’s flights run twice weekly on the A319 aircraft, accounting for 12% of Santa Maria’s overall flights but offering 23% of available seats. The introduction of American Eagle’s service is poised to enhance competition, as it focuses on providing greater connectivity rather than solely point-to-point travel.
American Airlines now serves 17 airports across California, surpassing its competitors, including Alaska Airlines and United, which each serve 16 airports. This growth in service routes demonstrates American’s commitment to expanding its presence in the California market. Notably, American began service to Carlsbad, located north of San Diego, in February of this year, re-establishing connections in the area after a hiatus.
The addition of flights to Santa Maria and other Californian airports highlights American Airlines’ strategy to enhance its regional connectivity and respond to growing demand in underserved markets. This development not only reflects American’s competitive positioning but also offers more travel options for passengers seeking to explore the West Coast and beyond.
