Breaking News - Greater Yuma Economic Development Corporation

New Air Route for Yuma Would Be Positive Step

May. 5th, 2010

The manager of Yuma's airport called an announcement this week "terrific news" and he is right. The news emerged from a news story about a planned merger by United Airlines and Continental Airlines. One result would apparently be a new choice for Yuma air travelers trying to fly to other parts of the nation and world. United Airlines already provides service from Yuma to Los Angeles International Airport where many Yumans pick up connecting flights. Under the merged airline, Yuma would continue to have service to Los Angeles, but in addition there would be service to George Bush International Airport in Houston, Continental's hub airport, where there would be more national and international connecting flights. "This will benefit the entire community," said Craig Williams, manager of the Yuma airport. "It can't come too soon." Yuma County's leading economic development official, Julie Engel of the Greater Yuma Economic Development Corp., agreed this would have positive results because it increases Yuma's air accessibility. There have long been complaints about Yuma's limited air options, especially from businesses that have national and international interests. Air access is often a prime consideration when businesses are looking to relocate to a community, although Yuma is fortunate to have a good airport for businesses with their own airplanes. Air travel is also a particularly important consideration for one pillar of Yuma's economy - the military and government. Yuma Proving Ground in particular is a high tech testing center where personnel come and go frequently for projects. Perhaps this is one reason why the new airline wants to add Houston as a destination for Yuma travelers. And, of course, just regular private travelers from Yuma probably want more options. In the end, of course, the success of the action will rest on whether Yuma travelers actually choose Houston as a destination. Airlines depend on usage to justify routes between airports. Other recent efforts to expand air service to Salt Lake City in Utah and Las Vegas, Nev., failed. Hopefully, that will not happen again. Of course, this is all speculation at this point. The merger still has to be approved. But if the Houston link does materialize, it would be a positive step for Yuma.

The Sun
May. 5th, 2010

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