The City of Stillwater, American Airlines and Oklahoma State University announced Friday the arrival of nonstop American Airlines jet service to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) from Stillwater Regional Airport (SWO). The new service was announced at an event at the Stillwater airport and followed the Stillwater City Council’s unanimous approval of the agreement with American Airlines.

American Airlines will begin two daily flights to and from DFW on August 23. By connecting with Dallas, Stillwater and north central Oklahoma travelers will have easier access to American Airlines’ largest hub to more than 200 destinations throughout the American Airlines and oneworld Alliance global network. This means one-stop flights to 40 destinations in Europe, Asia and Latin American. Customers can book travel starting Sunday on aa.com.   

“We’re proud to offer this new service to Stillwater,” said Patrick Quayle, American’s Managing Director of Network and Fleet Strategy. “This addition highlights American’s commitment to providing the best network and more convenient connections for our customers.”

The new service will operate on the following daily schedule:

DFW-SWO

Departs DFW at 12:46 p.m.

Arrives at SWO at 2:01 p.m.

Departs DFW at 8:11 p.m.

Arrives at SWO at 9:26 p.m.

SWO-DFW

Departs SWO at 7:00 a.m.

Arrives at DFW at 8:15 a.m.

Departs SWO at 2:35 p.m.

Arrives at DFW at 3:50 p.m.

“Introducing a new route between Oklahoma and Dallas, Texas will improve already strong linkages between our two states,” said Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin. “The flights will improve access and flexibility for OSU alumni and former residents to visit Stillwater, bring their friends and go to events in the area.  The flights will also improve business opportunities, business connections and allow residents from northwest Oklahoma to have better ease of travel.”

Joining Governor Fallin in praising the new service at Friday’s event were U.S. Sen. James Inhofe and U.S. Rep. Frank Lucas.  

The nonstop jet service to DFW is expected to stimulate business, grow tourism and ease travel for Stillwater and the surrounding area. The service will provide a convenient schedule, free parking and the ability for travelers to be home within minutes.

“It’s a great day for Stillwater and northern Oklahoma,” said Stillwater Mayor Gina Noble. “Connecting Stillwater to DFW Airport makes Stillwater a more competitive, more attractive destination for businesses and travelers. This strengthens Stillwater economic development and creates an easier commute for both domestic and international travelers.”

Officials praised the collaborative effort that started five years ago and saw several community groups work through numerous issues to bring American Airlines service to Stillwater. The work included an extensive analysis of the demand and feasibility of the service.

“This agreement is a testament to what Stillwater can accomplish when key players come together for the good of our community,” said OSU President Burns Hargis. “Oklahoma State sees tremendous opportunity to reduce air travel costs, improve efficiencies and greatly enhance personal travel for our students and employees.”

Hargis pointed out that Oklahoma State has more than 2,600 students from the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Another 2,000 international students will have easier access to flights abroad.

Stillwater Regional Airport Director Gary Johnson said the airport is completing a renovation to add baggage handling, ticket and car rental counters, and TSA screening. Johnson said the airport is repurposing about two-thirds of the terminal and adding more parking.

“We are poised to take this next step in the airport’s history and excited about the potential of scheduled service to one of the largest hubs in the world,” Johnson said. “We could not be happier to launch service with American Airlines, one of the most trusted names in the industry.”

City leaders formed the Air Service Development Committee five years ago to begin efforts to bring scheduled airline service to Stillwater and north central Oklahoma. The committee included representatives from the City of Stillwater, the Stillwater Airport Authority, Oklahoma State University, the Stillwater Chamber of Commerce and Visit Stillwater OK, Inc. The airline consulting firm of Mead & Hunt Inc. was engaged to provide guidance, data collection and market analysis.

Hargis and Noble both praised the diligent work of former Mayor John Bartley, OSU Senior Vice President Joe Weaver, Johnson and members of the Stillwater Airport Authority.