Santa Maria Airport announced late June that American Airlines will begin twice daily nonstop flights between Santa Maria and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport starting October 15 on regional jets operated by SkyWest Airlines.
Santa Maria Public Airport District General Manager and EconAlliance Board Member, Martin Pehl, stated, “We’re excited about the new partnership with American Airlines and the return of a connecting hub service from Santa Maria.”

Credit: Nick Forselles / Noozhawk photo

Through Phoenix, customers will have access to 250 departures to more than 100 destinations, and “will enjoy convenient connections from Santa Maria to the world”. Pehl thanked the staff, community, military and business leaders working for nearly a decade to bring back hub service to Santa Maria.

He gave special recognition to the support of the City of Santa Maria, the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce and to the Santa Maria Economic Development Commission.

Santa Maria Airport is a major regional economic development asset, offering free parking, U.S. Customs service, 2500 acres, and the largest commercial runway on the Central Coast.