By Joel Langton
The 830 Times
A new era in Del Rio aviation opened Friday afternoon when American Airlines’ CRJ-700 landed at Del Rio International Airport, dropping off 54 passengers in a bigger plane with more perks.
The plane replaced the smaller ERJ-145 and passengers flying to and from Del Rio will have 15-26 more seats, first, business and economy classes as well as Wi-fi and more entertainment options.
Hannah Leinenger, a former Del Rio resident, said it was a different experience flying in on the bigger plane.
“I haven’t flown into Del Rio in a couple of years and the new plane was a lot nicer,” Leinenger said.
Juan C. Onofre, Del Rio International Airport Manager, said the larger aircraft is a great step for Del Rio. “Having a larger airplane will increase our passenger count and is a good measurement of how well our relationship with American Airlines is,” Onofre said. “At the end of the day, the ones who will benefit the most will be the passengers by having more choices of seating classes and access in flight to Wi-Fi and entertainment on their own devices.”
Onofre added that there aren’t a lot of changes for passengers except a larger, more comfortable aircraft. “It’s still two times per day but there will be slight adjustments to the arrival and departure times.”
Initially, American Airlines received a subsidy from the City of Del Rio, but Onofre said those days are over. “There are no subsidies or freebies to American Airlines,” Onofre said. “The business model has been standing on its own since November 2020.
Anita Mariner, City of Del Rio Marketing and Public Relations Manager, reminded passengers to arrive an hour and a half before their scheduled flight. “The counter closes 45 minutes before flights .”
Tickets can be bought via www.AA.com.
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Contact the author at joelalangton@gmail.com
