American Airlines and Columbia Regional Airport Announce Upgraded Jet Service at Columbia Regional Airport

(COLUMBIA, MO) -

The City of Columbia and American Airlines announced today that American Airlines will begin servicing the daily nonstop routes to Chicago and Dallas/Fort Worth with new Bombardier CRJ-700 jet aircraft.

The new aircraft will begin service on both Chicago (ORD) routes on January 6, 2015 and both Dallas/Fort Worth routes on February 12, 2015. American Airlines ticket reservation system will display and allow ticket purchases immediately.

Currently, American Airlines services routes at COU with older ERJ140/145 jet aircraft with seating capacities of 44 or 50 passengers.

The new Bombardier CRJ700 jet aircraft can seat up to 65 passengers and features both First Class and Main Cabin seating. The CRJ700 is one of the quietest aircraft within it's class, can cruise at altitudes of up to 41,000 feet, and is a more fuel efficient aircraft than the ERJ class aircraft.

The larger jets will increase capacity by 28% over the current service. On average, 252 passengers daily will be able to enplane at COU compared to around 200 passengers enplanements today.

Passenger demand remains high at COU with the latest load factors in October at 87%. A recent Passenger Demand Analysis report showed the air service market in mid-Missouri (the area served by COU) has an average capacity demand of over 900 passengers per day, indicating there is significant growth potential for COU.

American Airlines and Columbia Regional Airport are excited to be able to offer upgraded jet service to our customers and thank everyone for their support of air service at COU.