SAN ANTONIO, TX – (May 4, 2023) – The San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce it has joined the Capital Access Alliance (CAA), a broad coalition of companies and organizations to support an increase in the number of direct flights into and out of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) when Congress takes up the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization bill this fall.

An increase in the number of direct flights to and from DCA, including San Antonio International Airport, would help increase consumer options, lower ticket prices, spur economic growth and generate more business opportunities for the San Antonio community.

“Securing a non-stop flight between San Antonio International Airport (SAT) and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) has been a long-standing priority for the San Antonio Business Community. We are Military City USA and home to the country’s largest cybersecurity community outside of Washington, D.C. Obtaining a direct flight will enhance local economic development and make air travel more affordable and more efficient for the residents of San Antonio” said Marina Gonzales, SAHCC President & CEO.

“We are proud to join our CAA partners in calling for long overdue reform to our nation’s travel regulations that will have a meaningful impact on our local economy and provide the businesses and members of our community with critical access to our nation’s capital and surrounding areas,” Gonzales continued. “We look forward to seeing meaningful change that will benefit consumers, businesses, and the San Antonio community by expanding direct access to and from the Washington, D.C. region.”

 “The San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is a key community leader in the San Antonio region and their membership in CAA sends a powerful signal to our leaders in Washington, D.C. that expanded access to our nation’s capital will not only have a meaningful economic impact, but also an important cultural one,” said Rolando Pablos, CAA Board Member and former Texas Secretary of State. “Direct flight access is a key economic development tool for our communities, and I am proud to see the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce join this critical effort.”

Fast Facts: Expanding Direct Access to DCA

• Currently, DCA is the only airport in the nation that is subject to a federally imposed “perimeter rule,” which limits the number of flights that are allowed to take off and land outside a 1,250-mile radius.
• The “perimeter rule” was created in 1966, but U.S. air traffic has increased 10-fold since the 1960s.
• Forty percent of beyond-perimeter passengers must make at least one connection when flying to or from Washington, D.C.
• The “perimeter rule” limits flight options and results in higher ticket prices.
• Ninety-five percent of beyond-perimeter markets are severely underserved.
• Authorizing more in- and beyond-perimeter slots to DCA would save consumers on ticket prices and allow more than 2,000 passengers per day to be connected by non-stop flights to beyond-perimeter markets.

To learn more about CAA, visit www.capitalaccessalliance.com.

To learn more about the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce visit www.sahcc.org.

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