It was mid-January when South Bend International Airport officials announced 93,000 additional reasons to make them your airport of choice, and the first 65 of those reasons will be celebrated in style this Thursday afternoon marking the arrival of American Airlines’ first nonstop flights to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and Charlotte Douglas International Airport.
That’s 65 seats aboard each of the CRJ-700 regional jet aircraft, and 93,000 total new seats per year flying into and out of South Bend International on those two new routes into the market.
A full-tilt ribbon cutting ceremony and gate celebration will take place at Gate 3 this Thursday afternoon at 12:25pm featuring Indiana Economic Development Corporation President Elaine Bedel, South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg, St. Joseph County Commission President Andrew Kosetielney, St. Joseph County Airport Authority Board President David Sage, South Bend Regional Chamber President Jeff Rea, and a representative from American Airlines.
Passengers boarding the inaugural flight will enjoy cake, beverages, American Airlines goodie bags, and will be able to register to win AAdvantage miles as part of the celebration.
A water cannon salute celebrating the arrival of Flight #2871 from DFW is scheduled for 1:12 pm that day. As Bedel says, “Direct flights like the ones we are celebrating this week play a key part in enhancing economic opportunities and connectivity for Hoosier businesses and travelers.” She notes, “As these flights take off, Indiana’s reputation as a destination for business continues to soar to new heights. We’re full steam ahead to ensure we’re connected with the rest of the world, and nonstop services will continue to play a role in attracting the jobs of today and tomorrow to Indiana.”
Later in the day, Flight #2933 departing for Charlotte is scheduled for 5:14 pm. Passengers boarding that inaugural flight will also celebrate with cake, beverages, and American Airlines goodie bags prior to takeoff.
South Bend International Ecxecutive Director Mike Daigle says, “The take-off of these flights to two of American Airlines’ largest hubs is a result of the community’s support and choice to fly local.” He adds, “These new flights offer competitive options for both business and leisure travelers from the South Bend region.”
The flights will be operated by American Eagle using CRJ-700 regional jet aircraft with dual-class cabins and 65 seats. Flights will depart daily from SBN to DFW at 6:48 am and 1:55 pm. They will return to SBN daily from DFW at 1:23 pm and 7:00 pm. Flights to CLT will leave SBN daily at 8:05 am and 5:14 pm, returning to South Bend each day at 11:30 am and 7:55 pm. Tickets are available for purchase at www.aa.com.
South Bend International Airport’s four air carriers provide nonstop flights to twelve cities: Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Detroit, Fort Myers/Punta Gorda, Las Vegas, Minneapolis, New York City/Newark, Orlando/Sanford, Phoenix/Mesa, and Tampa Bay/St. Petersburg with connections world-wide.
South Bend International’s multi-modal terminal serves over one million air, rail and bus passengers each year. According to the 2012 Economic Impact Report from the Aviation Authority of Indiana, South Bend International’s total annual economic impact on South Bend and surrounding communities was in excess of $1.7 billion.
For additional information, head online to www.FlySBN.com or you can get social with SBN on Facebook (www.facebook.com/FlySBN), Twitter (@SBNairport) or Instagram (@SBNairport) to stay informed about the airport and the carriers that serve the South Bend region.
