TCAA and TTA Urge Secretary Buttigieg to Support New Direct Flight Route from SAT to DCA
(Austin, Texas) July 18, 2024 – The Texas Travel Alliance (TTA) and the Texas Commercial Airports Association (TCAA) have expressed unwavering support for establishing non-stop air service between San Antonio International Airport (SAT) and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). The Texas Triangle, one of the nation’s eleven emerging economic and population megaregions, demands seamless connectivity to our nation’s capital.
The Texas Triangle: A Growing Megaregion In 2020, the Texas Triangle’s population surged to nearly 21 million, fueled by rapid growth across the state. This megaregion encompasses five of the 20 largest U.S. cities and is home to over 70% of all Texans. By 2030, it is projected to grow an additional 19%, solidifying its status as a global hub of economic ties, cultural exchange, and political influence.
Critical Reasons for Direct Air Service1. Business and Military Connectivity:
- A non-stop flight would enhance collaboration, economic growth, and strategic partnerships for our business community, military personnel, and government officials.
- Joint Base San Antonio, with 266 mission partners and 82,000 active-duty members and civilian employees, would benefit significantly from this direct link.
2. Economic Opportunities:
- Non-stop flights attract investment and tourism. Connecting SAT and DCA opens doors for trade, cultural exchange, and business expansion.
- San Antonio’s thriving tourism industry stands to flourish, benefiting both cities.
- An American Airlines direct flight from SAT to DCA would serve the entire Northeastern U.S.
3. Representation and Advocacy:
- San Antonio, the largest majority Hispanic city in the nation, deserves seamless access to our leaders in Washington, D.C. Advocacy efforts, policy discussions, and federal funding requests necessitate this connection.
- Both organizations also commended the recent partnership between San Antonio International Airport and American Airlines, which aims to initiate non-stop service from SAT to DCA and urged Secretary Buttigieg to champion this vital air route.
- “The establishment of a direct flight route from SAT to DCA is not just a convenience—it’s a critical artery for our state. This route is a testament to our commitment to fostering growth, ensuring representation, and enhancing connectivity for all Texans, helping to bridge the gap between South Texas and the heart of our nation’s governance”, said Erika Boyd, President & CEO of Texas Travel Alliance and Executive Director for the Texas Commercial Airports Association.
-END-The Texas Travel Alliance is the voice of the travel and tourism industry in Texas. We advocate for policies that help our industry grow and thrive. We provide professional development opportunities to elevate our industry’s leaders. And we create connections that will help our members flourish and succeed. The travel industry has a $193 billion impact on the Texas economy and enables all other business sectors to thrive and grow. The travel industry helps cultivate a quality of life for all Texans. That’s why we believe Life is Better in a State of Travel! For more information about the Texas Travel Alliance: www.texastravelalliance.org.
The Texas Commercial Airports Association (TCAA) supports the advocacy and education needs of Texas' commercial airports. Membership is open to commercial passenger airports operating in Texas. The Association was organized in December of 2011 with the goal of creating a Texas trade association to assist the commercial airports around the state in collaboration and coordination of airport issues, advocacy and education efforts, and support new economic development all to benefit travelers to and within the state. For more information about the Texas Commercial Airports Association, www.texas-airports.com.