Regular connecting flights to Charlotte won’t be coming to State College. Here’s why
American Airlines won’t be bringing regular connecting flights from University Park to Charlotte like Centre County had hoped it would.
In 2021 Centre County and other Centre Region municipalities created an incentive package to attract American Airlines to the University Park Airport for a connecting flight to Charlotte Douglas International Airport for a minimum of 12 flights a week. But American Airlines has declined to commit to the route, according to a letter from the county included in College Township’s most recent meeting agenda.
“Unfortunately, American is unable to commit to this route and the expected number of flights. During several conversations with the airline and airport officials, American described the challenges of pilot shortages and inconsistent demand outside of peak service periods,” the letter states.
The county, along with College and Patton townships and the State College Borough, pledged a total of nearly $300,000 as part of the package from American Rescue Plan Act funds or other municipal funds. The county is refunding contributions from the municipalities, according to the letter.
The expanded air service was sought after not only for tourism and travel opportunities, but also to attract entrepreneurial businesses and startups.
Last year, the University Park airport announced a seasonal nonstop flight to the Charlotte Douglas International Airport on Saturdays during March and April to test the demand for a year-round service. It’s currently unclear what the future of that flight will be.
“AA is conceding providing the same service during this time period,” James Meyer, executive director of the Centre County Airport Authority, said in an email. He said they should know by the end of the year what the service will look like.
