Udall, Heinrich Applaud Decision To Begin Nonstop Flight Service Between Roswell And Phoenix

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich applauded the decision by American Airlines to begin daily, nonstop commercial flight service between Roswell International Air Center (RIAC) and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Flights are set to begin in March of 2016.

"Flights between Roswell and Phoenix will help make travel to and from Southeastern New Mexico more convenient, opening up business opportunities in the entire region that can create jobs and boost the economy," Udall said. "I'm proud to work to expand our transportation options and connect New Mexico communities to the rest of the nation."

"The decision to establish direct flights between Roswell and Phoenix is great news for New Mexico's economy," Heinrich said. "Nonstop flights attract businesses and visitors alike, and will increase economic opportunities for Chaves County and the southeastern part of the state."

Senators Udall and Heinrich are strong supporters of New Mexico's aviation industry, and have long supported the Roswell community's efforts to expand Roswell flight service. Last October, they announced a $450,000 federal grant for the City of Roswell to begin nonstop air travel service from RIAC to the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. In June, they announced a $9 million award to RIAC to fund rehabilitation of 5,000 feet of Runway 03/21, to help maintain the structural integrity of the pavement and clear debris from the runway. 

Last September, the senators announced more than $14 million in grants to support air transportation in New Mexico. The grants, which were awarded to Alamogordo, Albuquerque, Lea County, Questa, Roswell, and the New Mexico Department of Transportation, were to fund repairs and maintenance, runway extensions, emissions reduction, and strategic planning.