Monterey Regional Airport secures federal grant to add a direct flight to Chicago.

Monterey Regional Airport announced on Tuesday, Oct. 3 that it intends to add a non-stop flight to Chicago thanks to a $750,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation. The grant comes from the Small Community Air Service Development Program, which aims to improve Americans’ connectivity and allow people in communities like Monterey to fly more places easily and affordably. 

“Our focus is Chicago, which will provide access to yet another gateway to the Midwest, East Coast and international destinations and improve access to our world class destination,” said Michael La Pier, MRY’s executive director. 

DOT received 48 applications for the Small Community Air Service Development Program and awarded grants to 20 projects in 16 states. The grants allow grantees to develop and implement routes according to their needs, and provide financial incentive for service. La Pier says Rep. Jimmy Panetta, D-Carmel Valley, was instrumental in getting this grant for MRY. 

“This federal investment will help the Monterey Regional Airport in providing more options to the visitors as well as the locals who demand more ways to get to and from the central coast of California,” Panetta said in a statement. 

Rob O’Keefe, CEO of See Monterey, and Amy Herzog, executive director of Visit Carmel, both say this new flight will be a great opportunity. “Travelers from the Midwest are looking for what we have—an abundance of inspiring coastal experiences. In turn, their spending drives what we’re aiming for in our promotion of the destination—economic vitality and community prosperity,” O’Keefe said. 

American Airlines submitted a letter to DOT supporting MRY’s grant application. “We will certainly start more earnest discussions with them first,” La Pier notes, adding that no airline has committed to providing this service just yet.