Just six months after launching, American Airlines announced it will end its Santa Maria route to and from Phoenix, dashing hopes its success would attract other firms and flights to the underutilized airport.
The route, launched in mid-October as the Santa Maria Public Airport’s only daily commercial passenger flights, will end May 6, according to SkyWest Airlines. SkyWest operates the American Eagle flights under an agreement with American Airlines.
“Passengers who may be booked beyond this date will be offered alternate flight options,” a SkyWest representative said.
“We are working closely with our employees in Santa Maria to provide various opportunities, including transfer options to other stations,” the statement added.
The announcement occurred six months after the service’s starte. By the time they’re canceled, the route will have operated slightly less than eight months.
With much fanfare officials announced last summer the new round-trip flights from Santa Maria to the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport in Arizona.
The twice-daily nonstop fights, operated by SkyWest Airlines, kicked off Oct. 15 with receptions at the Santa Maria Airport plus another in Phoenix.
Santa Maria airport officials touted the new route as providing global connections while noting the local convenience and free parking offered at the facility off Skyway Drive on the city’s southwest side.
“It’s unfortunate American Airlines didn’t give Santa Maria a chance,” said Suzanne Singh, vice president of economic development and government affairs for the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce.
“I”m disappointed,” Mayor Alice Patino said. “I hope somebody else will pick that up because we certainly need an airline here.”
To help attract additional airlines and routes, Santa Maria’s airport provides a special incentive package topping $2.6 million.
This includes revenue guarantees of $2 million, essentially pledging to cover a certain number of empty seats in flights while the new route ramps up.
The airport district deal includes $250,000 in startup costs, $175,000 in marketing support for the first year and another $75,000 for the second year’s marketing. Another $50,000 is budgeted annually for the airport including print, television, radio and digital advertising campaigns.
Additionally, the airport waives rental and other fees for two years, saving an airline about $100,000.
After the launch of the Santa Maria-Phoenix route a consultant expressed concern about a lackluster marketing, prompting discussion about boosting the budget.
Airlines reportedly need 60% of the seats filled to break even and higher to offset other expenses
The departure of the SkyWest flights means Santa Maria again will be have only Allegiant Air flying between Santa Maria and Las Vegas twice a week.
Tale of Hard Luck
For years, Santa Maria has struggled to maintain passenger air service while airports in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo — both county seats and university towns — have continued to see to see expanded offerings.
Santa Maria airport leaders have hired air service consultants, visited firms’ headquarters and attended conferences among steps to court new passenger airline service.
In January 2020, community leaders excitedly gathered to herald the announcement United Airlines would return, offering flights to three destinations. But the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent airline industry struggles grounded the plan.
While most airports are operated by cites or counties, Santa Maria’s is unique as one of approximately 10 managed by an independent special district.
The Santa Maria Public Airport Board of Directors agenda for the meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday does not mention the air service loss.
