The Roanoke Regional Airport Commission has announced that American Airlines will offer non-stop daily service to New York City’s La Guardia airport from Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport effective April 1, 2014.
The decision comes on the heels of a recent announcement by Delta Airlines to discontinue this service in February, resulting in immediate outreach to American by airport officials to ensure that passengers in the Roanoke-Blacksburg region continue to have options for New York travel.
According to Jacqueline Shuck, Executive Director of the Roanoke Regional Airport Commission, the new daily direct service by American offers several advantages, including convenient arrival and departure times, and more connecting options for passengers. “This is a significant win for the Roanoke-Blacksburg region, which depends on access to the nation’s financial center to fuel economic development efforts and community growth. The Airport is committed to doing everything in its power to work with American Airlines and ensure this service is successful.”
While details are not yet definite, American has indicated that the new flight will arrive daily into Roanoke at around 6:00 p.m. and depart for La Guardia about half an hour later, which Airport officials believe are more convenient times for travelers based on prior passenger feedback.
U.S. Airways, which merged with American last year, has a history of service to La Guardia out of Roanoke. The announcement to offer daily non-stop service from Roanoke to La Guardia was made as part of planned network adjustments resulting from mandated slot divestitures by the Department of Justice, which enabled American to complete its merger with U.S. Airways.
As part of the negotiation and the Commission’s Airline Incentive Program, the Commission offered to waive landing fees for the new flight for a year and to allocate a portion of its marketing funds to promote the route.