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San Antonio International Airport crowned Airport of the Year for diversity

SAT is going above and beyond for its diversity and inclusion efforts.

Great news is flying through Alamo City. The San Antonio International Airport (SAT) was just named Airport of the Year by the Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC). This high honor highlights the airport's contributions to improving diversity and inclusion among its employees.

SAT was recognized during the 38th Annual AMAC Airport Business Diversity Conference's Catalyst Awards, where airports are spotlighted based on their efforts that further the Council's goals. A few of the prominent AMAC objectives include uplifting "minorities and women" within the aviation and aerospace sectors through "employment and contracting opportunities," according to a release.

Jesus Saenz, Director of Airports for the San Antonio Airport System (SAAS), said SAT's endeavors to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion are "an integral part of the workforce culture" within SAAS.

"AMAC’s mission is in line with our mission to deliver the San Antonio experience through transformation and talent by focusing on our people – both those we hire and the 10 million travelers we serve each year at SAT," Saenz said. "We are so proud of every team member at both SAT and Stinson Municipal Airport."

The San Antonio Airport System (SAAS) instated their Aviation Equity Initiative in 2020, leading to widespread community engagement, and greater involvement with school-age children. The initiative has allowed for more airport tours for historically disadvantaged and marginalized students, while advocating for more youth avian education.

SAAS also put greater focus on inclusionary hiring efforts in 2021, leading to more than half of the 114 employees that were hired or promoted that year being minorities.

SAT's Business Opportunity and Diversity Development (BODD) team was also recognized for their efforts.

More information about the AMAC Airport Business Diversity Conference can be found at amac-org.com.

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Airline News

San Antonio gets nonstop flights to this Washington, DC airport

Photo courtesy of American Airlines

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American Airlines will soon offering a service no one carrier is: nonstop trips between San Antonio (SAT) and Washington, D.C. (DCA). One flight will be scheduled daily, starting in March.

Tickets for the new service will be available on sale starting December 23 through aa.com or American’s mobile app.

The route was tentatively announced in October, but the U.S. Department of Transportation has now formally approved the application by American Airlines.

“This new service will offer convenient nonstop access to our nation’s capital for San Antonians, while helping further connect customers to our comprehensive global network," said Brian Znotins, American’s Senior Vice President of Network and Schedule Planning, in a press release. "American thanks the many elected officials and citizens who supported our application, and we look forward to welcoming customers onboard this new service soon.”

Flight 1718, reflecting the year San Antonio was founded, will depart SAT at 6:35 am and arrive in DCA at 10:41 am. Flight 1947, reflecting the year the U.S. Air Force was established, will depart DCA at 7:45 pm and arrive in SAT at 10:43 pm.

“This long-awaited connection to our nation’s capital is a game changer for our community, opening doors to countless opportunities for travel and economic development,” said San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg. “I’m grateful to those who have championed this effort and for the bipartisan support of our representatives in the Senate and House, whose advocacy was instrumental in making these flights a reality. We look forward to the positive impact this nonstop service will have for years to come."

San Antonio City Manager Erik Walsh echoed the sentiments about economic development and pointed out some growth already happening in San Antonio. The release also notes that San Antonio is the largest city in Texas lacking nonstop service to DCA and the largest city in the U.S. with a majority Hispanic population without nonstop service to DCA.

“Serving the fastest-growing city in the country, SAT has achieved record-breaking passenger numbers throughout 2024. This nonstop service to and from DCA addresses a need for our military, business, educational and research communities, among others. It also promotes competition and offers more travel options for passengers flying to and from San Antonio, enhancing connectivity as we continue making progress on the airport Terminal Development Program.”

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