US low-cost carrier (LCC), Southwest Airlines plans to boost its links to California by serving both Santa Barbara Airport and Fresno Yosemite International Airport in the second quarter of 2021.
“Our arrival in the heart of California, both on the Central Coast and in the Central Valley, will round out nearly four decades of investment in our California Customers and communities,” said Southwest Airlines CCO and Executive Vice President, Andrew Watterson.
“While other airlines seem to fall in and out of love with the state, we’re focused on increasing the reach of our low fares and flexible policies in places where we expect them to make a difference.”
Kevin Meikle, Director of Aviation for Fresno Yosemite International Airport, added that the new links are in response to demand from residents and businesses throughout Central California to be able to benefit from the LCCs service and connectivity. “Southwest will expand the Central Valley’s air transportation gateway to Yosemite, sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, and we look forward to our new partnership with Southwest and their arrival in the spring,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mayor Cathy Murillo of Santa Barbara, said: “We salute Southwest’s bold decision to enter one of the most vibrant and beautiful regions in California, bringing visitors to our sweeping coastline to experience our mild Mediterranean climate and distinctive Spanish-influenced architecture. For our residents, our partnership with Southwest will energise the economic rebound to come in 2021.”
Following the first Southwest flight to Palm Springs on 19 November, the addition of Fresno and Santa Barbara will position Southwest Airlines as an option in 13 California airports before summer 2021, further deepening the airline’s commitment to the Golden State.
