UPDATE: D.C. flights could give Mobile easier access to Europe, experts say
UPDATE (7:54 p.m.): We have updated this story to include how twice-daily direct flights from Mobile Regional Airport to Washington, D.C., will lead to “booming business,” according to experts.
ORIGINAL STORY
MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG) — The Mobile Airport Authority on Friday morning announced there will be twice-daily direct flights from Mobile Regional Airport to Washington D.C.
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Starting on June 27, United Airlines will fly to Washington Dulles International Airport. The announcement was made during a press conference.
”We’re pleased to bring Mobile convenient nonstop access to Washington, D.C.” said United’s
Managing Director of Domestic Planning, Mark J. Weithofer. ”The new flights will also provide
seamless connections to more than 50 domestic and 20 international destinations via United’s hub at Washington Dulles International.”
“Launching a nonstop flight from Mobile to Washington D.C. is a monumental achievement for our city and region,” said Mobile Airport Authority Chairman Elliot Maisel. “After years of demand, we’re thrilled to finally offer this direct route, which not only enhances our connectivity but also signifies our commitment to elevating the travel experience for both our business community and leisure travelers.”
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Washington D.C becomes the fifth direct flight to leave from Mobile, News 5 has learned. It joins Atlanta, Charlotte, Houston, and Dallas.
“We’re excited to welcome this new nonstop service to Washington D.C.,” said Mobile Airport
Authority President Chris Curry. ”United Airlines’ decision to launch this service not only reflects the growing demand for air travel options from Mobile but also underscores the Mobile Airport Authority’s commitment to enhancing accessibility and fostering economic growth in our community.”
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Direct flights to and From Washington Dulles from Mobile Regional Airport, according to the Mobile Airport Authority, would bring booming business to the Port City.
“It allows those businesses to go up to Washington and complete business in a day in return without staying overnight based on the two flights a day schedule,” Mobile Airport Authority President Chris Curry said.
Beyond Washington, D.C., Chamber of Commerce CEO Bradley Byrne said Mobile would have easier access to Europe.
“[This is] very important for our efforts to bring European Airspace companies here,” Byrne said.
With Airbus’ United States headquarters being in Washington D.C., Byrne said the flights would make it easier for Airbus suppliers to travel to Mobile. Byrne said many of Airbus’ suppliers come from Europe.
“If I can tell them they can hop on a plane in Hamburg… or Paris or Madrid, fly to Dulles and one more leg to Mobile, that’s a big deal,” Byrne said.
Seven days a week, Curry said there will be two departures from Mobile, one at 8:10 a.m. and another at 12:55 p.m. There will be two departures from Washington Dulles at 8:55 a.m. and another at 5:35 p.m.
Smaller commercial airplanes, like the Embraer 145, will be used, Cury said.
“I imagine that over time when they see the response from the Mobile community that they will probably transition to a much larger gauge aircraft,” Curry said.
The Mobile Airport Authority is expecting to make Downtown Airport the primary airport for Mobile by November 2025.
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“Today’s announcement by United Airlines is a game-changer for our entire region. Not only does this represent a new daily direct flight option to Washington, DC for our citizens, but it also signifies a vote of confidence in the Mobile market by a legacy airline. Like many other local travelers, I look forward to taking advantage of this new nonstop service soon,” said Mayor Sandy Stimpson.
“This new nonstop route to Washington D.C. is a watershed moment for economic development in our region, opening doors to increased business opportunities, fostering collaboration, and further positioning Mobile as a hub for growth,” said Mobile Chamber President and CEO Bradley Byrne.
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“Many of the companies we recruit value direct access to the nation’s capital, and United Airlines’ commitment to providing seamless connectivity to Dulles International Airport aligns perfectly with our strategic goals.”
This is a developing story. News 5 will update this article as more information becomes available.
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