American Airlines will officially begin service today (Wednesday) at Veterans Airport of Southern Illinois, bringing larger aircraft and direct access to the airline’s network through Chicago O’Hare.
Airport Director Doug Kimmel said the first American flight is scheduled to arrive in Marion at 2:40 p.m. today and depart for Chicago at 3:24 p.m. Another flight is scheduled to arrive in Marion at 11:42 p.m. tonight.
SkyWest Airlines will operate the American Eagle flights using CRJ700 regional jets with about 65 seats, more than doubling the capacity of the 30-seat aircraft previously used by Contour Airlines.
Under the Essential Air Service agreement approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation, American will provide 12 round trips each week between Marion and Chicago O’Hare. The two-year agreement runs through July 31, 2028.
Kimmel said preparations have required significant work because the larger aircraft bring additional FAA and TSA requirements. American’s service had originally been expected to begin around Aug. 1 but was delayed until September.
Airport officials are also working with American to address concerns about unusually high fares appearing for some flights, particularly connecting itineraries.
“We are aware and have made AA aware of high fares that have shown up in their system and they are addressing it,” Kimmel said.
Fares have varied significantly depending on travel dates, with some future nonstop Marion-to-Chicago flights available at substantially lower prices than trips booked near the launch date.
American projects the new service will carry more than 36,000 passengers annually through Veterans Airport, about 9,000 more than competing proposals projected.
Kimmel said reaching or exceeding those passenger numbers will be important if American is to remain in Southern Illinois beyond the initial two-year contract.
He added that the airline will need to provide reliable and affordable service to build the passenger numbers necessary for long-term success.