Officials from American Eagle Airlines and the Dubuque Regional Airport have announced a 4th daily flight starting in April 2011. The new service will be operated with 50-seat Embraer ERJ-145 jets. A grant to the Dubuque Regional Airport from Iowa Department of Transportation Office of Aviation will market and offset initial operating costs for the 4th flight.
"This is excellent news and a testament to Dubuque's economic strength and bright future," said Senator Tom Harkin (D-Iowa). "Dubuque's community leaders have done a great job of attracting jobs to the area, and now we're seeing that pay off. Stepped up service between Chicago and Dubuque will further help Dubuque's tourism and economic development."
"Dubuque has worked hard to support its airport and has put itself in a position to maintain and grow air service to the area," said Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa). "This additional flight from American will provide a great advantage to people traveling in and out of the area, and I appreciate American's willingness to invest in Iowa and the Dubuque Regional Airport."
Mike Santillo, chair of the Airport Commission, applauds the partnership between the Airport, American Airlines and the business community. Efforts to obtain an additional flight started with a need to expand air service at Dubuque.