ICT Celebrates Inaugural Flight to D.C.

American Airlines and Wichita Eisenhower National Airport marked a milestone yesterday with the commencement of their inaugural nonstop flight from ICT to Washington Reagan National Airport (DCA). The introduction of this nonstop route to Washington, D.C. is expected to significantly enhance accessibility and connectivity for passengers traveling to and from the region.

The collaborative efforts to secure this nonstop route commenced several years ago, reflecting the growing economic ties between Washington D.C. and Kansas, coupled with an increasing demand from passengers. American Airlines, recognizing the potential of this route, invested resources to meet the rising needs of travelers.

The flight departs Washington at 11:34 a.m. and arrives in Wichita at 1:57 p.m. The flight from Wichita departs at 2:51 pm and arrives in Washington at 6:38 p.m. The flights are operated by 76-seat Embraer-175 aircraft with first-class service. American Airlines is the largest airline serving DCA.

The inaugural event was attended by Senator Jerry Moran, Congressman Ron Estes, local officials, business leaders, and members of the media. Notable attendees from American Airlines included Phil Newman, Managing Director, Regulatory and Congressional Affairs, and Jay Singh, Strategist, Corporate Communications.

Phil Newman of American Airlines stated the importance of the route’s economic benefit to the region: “American is excited to link Wichita to our nation’s capital via daily, nonstop service. This complements the service we recently announced to Phoenix and Miami, along with our existing robust service to Dallas-Fort Worth and Chicago. In addition to flying American, Kansans can engage with our airline through co-branded credit card programs to earn miles and loyalty points. Our credit card partnerships allow routes like this one to succeed and contribute significantly to economic growth in the state of Kansas. We look forward to this new flight’s success.”

“As the only direct flight from Kansas to Washington, D.C., this flight will be beneficial to Wichita and the entire state,” said Senator Moran. “Connecting the nation’s capital with the ‘Air Capital of the World’ will provide new opportunities for aerospace, defense and federal leaders to travel to Wichita to see firsthand the great work being done in Kansas. Washington, D.C. is a competitive market for commercial airlines, but I have no doubt this new destination will prove beneficial to Kansans and American Airlines.”

Congressman Ron Estes commented, “The data is clear – Kansans want to visit our nation’s capital – families seeing monuments, veterans visiting war memorials, aerospace manufacturers meeting with stakeholders, FFA students learning about the legislative process, and everyday Kansans wanting an up-close look at how our constitutional republic works. This direct flight will make it easier for all Kansans to access our government of the people, by the people, and for the people, and I'm grateful for American Airlines and the Eisenhower National Airport leadership for making this direct flight a reality.”

Jesse Romo, Director of Airports, shared insights into the significance of this breakthrough service: “Washington, D.C. is a highly coveted market and we’re extremely grateful that American Airlines is adding this destination. Nonstop service to DC will undoubtedly prove to be a valuable resource for the business community and puts our region in a competitive position to enhance economic opportunities.”

Book your flight at aa.com.