American Airlines Has Been Reselected For An Additional 2 Year Contract

WATERLOO, IA Recently, USDOT officials in Washington, D.C. advised City and Airport Staff, that American Airlines has been reselected for an additional two-year contract via the USDOT’s Essential Air Service program to continue scheduled air service to and from Waterloo Regional Airport.  American’s new agreement will become effective May 1, 2022 with an on-average twice daily flight schedule to American’s Upper Midwest hub at the Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD). 

Quentin Hart, provided comment on the notice of award for the reselection of American Airlines, “As the Mayor of Waterloo, I would like to take this opportunity to thank officials at the USDOT for their reselection of American Airlines to continue providing scheduled air service to Waterloo via the Essential Air Service program.  We look forward to continuing the partnership started in April of 2012, with American Airlines to improve air service for the benefit of the entire Cedar Valley Region for both business and leisure travel.”   

Arlene Humble, Airport Board Chair and Owner of Humble Travel commented on the importance of dependable and reliable air service for the business community traveling to and from Waterloo, “The Waterloo Regional Airport provides that critical air service link for both business and leisure travelers, and it is critical that Waterloo continues to stress the need to retain, improve and expand air service offerings for Cedar Valley area passengers – a 14 County area comprised of nearly 400,000 Iowans.”

Keith Kaspari, Airport Director at Waterloo Regional Airport, provided comment, “With air service to continue with American to Chicago beginning May 1, this reselection by the USDOT continues to allow Cedar Valley passengers a seamless connection to an extensive number of domestic and international cities, and when combined with American’s One World Alliance partners, provides nearly an endless number of air travel options for Cedar Valley passengers when flying from Waterloo to Chicago – and beyond.”

Kaspari continued, “I look forward to seeing Cedar Valley residents continuing to fly American Airlines from Waterloo so that we can see above average load factors that will be an important step to eventually see additional frequency to both Chicago - and hopefully Dallas-Ft. Worth, to serve the air service needs of Waterloo and the Greater Cedar Valley Region.  In closing, I would also like to offer my personal thanks to Representative Ashley Hinson, and Senators Charles Grassley and Joni Ernst for their letters of support – in supporting Waterloo’s Community Recommendation to USDOT officials.”