Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy announced on Wednesday that Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks will soon offer daily, nonstop service to Los Angeles International Airport via American Airlines.
'When this flight did exist not so long ago, mid-2014 -- the last three months it was averaging a 90 percent occupancy, which is pretty darn good," Malloy said.
This announcement follows the Connecticut Airport Authority's recent launch of United Airlines service to Denver, Colorado beginning in May, and the anticipated introduction of non-stop Aer Lingus service to Dublin, Ireland later this year.
"This is an important link for us to Los Angeles because it opens up on one flight...you can make your connection in L.A. to travel really anywhere in Asia, which is extremely important to us," Malloy said.
The Connecticut Mirror reported that the state is waiving landing fees for American Airlines, which will cost about $238,000 annually.
In 2013, Bradley announced the same Los Angeles route, but was discontinued only a year later after American Airlines and U.S. Airways merged.
Jonathan Caez of New Britain was waiting to get picked up from the Bradley terminal a short distance away from the governor's press conference. He said it was his first time flying out of Bradley -- he was returning from a trip to Orlando, Florida -- and although he had never been to Los Angeles, he said he would be interested in using the connection. He said the transit connection to Bradley from where he lives is easy.
"I'm from the area so driving here isn't a big deal -- and I know Fastrak and other public transportation is an option as well," Caez said.
Liliana Garcia, who moved to the United States from El Salvador three years ago to pursue higher education, was excited to hear of the new connection.
Garcia is now hoping to be admitted to the University of Connecticut in Storrs. But before she came to the state, she spent several weeks in Los Angeles, and hasn't been able to go back since.
"I think it's a good idea -- a great opportunity too, because when I was there, I made some friends and stuff like that, and haven't seen them. I just contact them on Facebook, but I'd like to see them again," Garcia said.
The service will begin on June 2 this year. Tickets will go on sale later this week.
