- Business leaders have raised over $2 million to support new nonstop flight services from San Antonio International Airport.
- The city is particularly focusing on securing direct routes to London and Frankfurt.
- San Antonio International Airport has recently expanded its nonstop services to various cities in the US.
San Antonio business leaders rally for direct European flights
SAN ANTONIO — San Antonio's business community is making strides to secure direct flights to European destinations, with leaders ready to invest millions for the cause. In recent developments, the San Antonio International Airport revealed plans to augment its nonstop flight services, catering to a growing demand.
A consortium of private-sector heavyweights, spearheaded by entities like Greater: SATX and Visit San Antonio, devised a funding initiative last year. The goal? To underwrite costs for airlines in favor of inaugurating new nonstop routes. This initiative has garnered significant traction, raking in upwards of $2 million from key stakeholders including renowned firms like H-E-B, USAA, Holt Cat, and Frost Bank.
While the overarching plan covers the introduction of direct services to a slew of 18 cities spanning North America — from the US to Mexico — the city's primary objective remains centered on clinching nonstop routes to major European hubs like London and Frankfurt. Marc Anderson, the CEO of Visit San Antonio, exudes confidence in the fruition of this venture, projecting potential European connections as early as 2025.
Echoing the sentiment, Jenna Saucedo-Herrera, who leads Greater: SATX, relayed to the Express-News, "Our competition for these services has been intense. I'm optimistic about realizing our vision of transatlantic flights within the upcoming year." Similarly, the director of SAT also showcased a sense of urgency, emphasizing their relentless pursuit to make European connections a reality, though a concrete date remains elusive.
In terms of specifics, the trio has remained tight-lipped, abiding by non-disclosure agreements signed with prospective airline carriers.
Meanwhile, the San Antonio International Airport's expansion trajectory is evident in recent advancements. Spirit Airlines, in March, unveiled nonstop routes to cities like Baltimore and Fort Lauderdale, strategically timed for spring break festivities. By May, Delta Air Lines followed suit, introducing a direct service to the Big Apple and amplifying its Detroit flights. June witnessed further enhancements, with direct services to Minneapolis-St. Paul courtesy of Sun Country Airlines and increased connectivity to popular tourist destinations like Cancún via Southwest Airlines. Besides, Southwest also facilitated summer travel to cities such as Baltimore, Washington D.C., Kansas City, and San Diego.
Highlighting the airport's expansive reach, the Express-News confirms that the San Antonio International currently operates nonstop flights to a commendable 41 cities, encompassing five major Mexican metropolises.
