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After nearly 25 years without scheduled service from a major US airline, Naples, FL is once again joining the commercial aviation map. American Airlines will launch 2x daily service between Naples Airport (APF) and Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) beginning December 2nd. The flights will be operated by Bombardier CRJ900 aircraft and will reconnect the affluent Gulf Coast community with American’s second-largest hub.
The announcement marks the return of a major airline to Naples Airport (APF) for the first time since American Eagle ended service in 2001. US Airways followed in 2003, Delta Connection exited the market in 2007. Since then, Naples Airport has primarily served corporate jets, charter operators, and flight schools with JSX currently offering seasonal public charter flights to Westchester County Airport (HPN).
American first presented plans for the new route to the Naples Airport Authority earlier this year. It cited strong, unmet demand from both residents and visitors. Today, most travelers headed to Naples and nearby Marco Island rely on Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in Fort Myers. It’s approximately 35 to 45 miles north. The proposal generated mixed reactions from the local community. While many welcomed the return of commercial service and the added convenience, others expressed concerns about increased aircraft noise and traffic around the airport.
Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) makes strategic sense as the destination as it offers travelers convenient one-stop access to hundreds of destinations across American Airlines’ domestic and international network. For passengers, the new service offers a welcome alternative to driving from Fort Myers and brings commercial flights much closer to Florida’s Paradise Coast.
Anthony’s Take: The return of American Airlines represents a significant milestone for Naples Airport (APF) as it reconnects one of Florida’s premier coastal destinations to the national airline network after nearly a quarter-century.
(Featured Image Credit: American Airlines.)
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Advertiser & Editorial Disclosure: The Bulkhead Seat earns an affiliate commission for anyone approved through the links above This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. We work to provide the best publicly available offers to our readers. We frequently update them, but this site does not include all available offers. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these entities.
