Press Releases

Baton Rouge, LA – American will increase the number of larger Bombardier CRJ700 aircraft with first and coach seating in its Baton Rouge Metro Airport (BTR) flight schedule beginning April 5th.

American currently utilizes the larger CRJ700 jets of 6 of its 12 BTR flights to and from its Dallas-Ft. Worth (DFW) hub. In early April, the number of CR700 jets is scheduled to increase to 10 of 12 for DFW service. American will also introduce the CRJ700 jets on its BTR to Charlotte (CLT) hub flights, with 4 of the 6 flights up gauging to the larger CRJ700 jets.

Delta and United continue to include larger aircraft with coach and first class seating in their BTR schedules along with their 50-seat regional jets. Delta’s BTR schedule includes dual-class CRJ700, CRJ900 and Boeing 717 aircraft; United includes the Embraer 175 dual-class jet among its BTR flights.

"We have been encouraging all of the BTR airlines to add larger aircraft for a number of years, and we appreciate that they have made this investment in our community,” said BTR Interim Airport Director Ralph Hennessy. "They will provide additional seating options for our passengers, and much needed capacity on these important hub routes.”

Airport officials expect the additional seating capacity to result in increased passenger volume. BTR’s January passenger volume was up 5% year-over-year, and with the increased seating capacity beginning in the spring, airport officials hope the trend will continue.

"We encourage area residents to support use of these larger jets as often as they can,” said Hennessy. "Supporting our existing service is the best way to show the airlines we can support new flights.”

The Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport is the second largest airport in Louisiana based on passenger volume, with 750,000 annual passengers. It is served by the major, network airlines with hub flights that provide access to destinations worldwide. While the airport is a major economic generator for the Baton Rouge area, it is administered as an Enterprise Fund, generating its own revenues for operations as opposed to receiving local tax funds.

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Contact: Jim Caldwell

Air Service Development, Marketing & Public Relations Manager

Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport

jcaldwell@brgov.com

Phone 225-931-9098