American Eagle will begin new daily, roundtrip air service between the Santa Fe Municipal Airport and Los Angeles LAX beginning on November 19, New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson announced. He revealed news about the flight today, June 11, 2009 at the Santa Fe airport during a press conference held after the first of American Eagle's direct service flights between Dallas and Santa Fe landed.

"This will be an important connection to the West Coast from Santa Fe," said Governor Richardson. "It's not just about tourism and the culture of Santa Fe, it will also benefit New Mexico's film industry. There are 8 films being shot in New Mexico today and Los Angeles is the second most requested connection after Dallas."

Tentative Schedule for flights between Santa Fe and Los Angeles
Santa Fe, N.M., to Los Angeles (SAF-LAX)
Flight Departs Arrives Days
3157 12:15 p.m. 1:30 p.m. Daily

Los Angeles to Santa Fe, N.M. (LAX-SAF)
Flight Departs Arrives Days
3156 10:15 a.m. 1:15 p.m. Daily

The first Eagle flight from Dallas touched down at Santa Fe's Municipal Airport with a full load of passengers. It then loaded back up with a group, including Santa Fe Mayor David Coss, and returned to Dallas.

American Eagle's non-stop service between Dallas and Santa Fe uses the 44-seat Embraer ERJ-140 jet. The $20 million aircraft cruises at 500+ mph and 40,000 feet. It is, "one of the newest and most modern planes in the fleet," according to American Eagle's Managing Director of Sales, Brian Coutts.

The Santa Fe Municipal Airport was recently upgraded to handle regional jets like the Embraer. It is not clear what aircraft will be used for the Santa Fe/Los Angeles service.

The airport is located on the southwestern edge of the city, about a 20-minute shuttle ride into historic downtown.