American Airlines is expanding service at a regional airport in central Pennsylvania.
Starting Oct. 5, the carrier will connect State College Regional Airport with Charlotte, North Carolina. Flights will operate twice daily.
The new route was announced Tuesday by the State College Air Service Alliance, a partnership that works to improve air service in Centre County.
“American is always looking to make it easier for our customers to explore the world and our new service between Charlotte and State College will do just that,” Jordan Pack, American’s director of domestic network planning, said in a statement. “Our hub in Charlotte is among the largest in the world with flights to more than 170 destinations, including 17 destinations in Florida alone. We’re thankful for the support of the community in State College as we look forward to launching this service in the fall.”
State College Regional Airport is located in Benner Township, close to State College and Pennsylvania State University’s primary campus. Historically, ownership of the airport was split between the university and the Centre County Airport Authority, but earlier this year Penn State leaders approved a plan to transfer full control to the CCAA.
The FAA is reviewing the deal and must sign off before the university can officially relinquish its share of the facility.
American currently connects State College with Philadelphia.
United also serves the airport, with flights to Washington Dulles and Chicago O’Hare.
The State College Air Service Alliance said it has been advocating for connections to Charlotte, various destinations in Florida, and Detroit in recent discussions with major airlines. The organization estimates that about 87% of regional traveler volume is “lost” to other airports, such as Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, and Baltimore/Washington.
