The Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority announced April 17, that American Airlines will begin new twice daily nonstop service between Toledo Express Airport (TOL) and Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) beginning on Aug. 22. This new route represents a 66 percent increase in American Airlines’ capacity in the Toledo market.
“This new nonstop service to Charlotte provides Toledo and Northwest Ohio with a multitude of new connecting flight options,” said Paul Toth, president and CEO of the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority. “This service is a testament to the continued growth of the local economy and American’s belief in this region.”
American Airlines will offer two flights per day on 50-seat regional jets with departures from TOL at 7 a.m. and 1:37 p.m., and arrivals to TOL at 1:02 p.m. and 11:47 p.m. This new air service is anticipated to increase total passenger traffic at the airport by as much as 30 percent.
“As the owner of Toledo Express Airport, the city of Toledo is excited to see continued growth in air service,” said city of Toledo Mayor Paula Hicks-Hudson. “The success of Toledo Express is important to the city of Toledo, and I encourage Toledo residents to continue to book travel out of Toledo Express Airport.”
In 2011, the U.S. Department of Transportation awarded the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority with a Small Community Air Service Development grant in the amount of $750,000 to help kick start new service at Toledo Express Airport. The new Charlotte service will utilize these grant funds.
“Without the Small Community Air Service Development grant and the continued support of the Department of Transportation, as well as American Airlines’ continued interest in the Toledo market, this new service would not be possible,” said Toth.
