How’s this for timing: Just before Thanksgiving, I posted a list of the largest unserved air markets (places lacking nonstops from here) within 1,050 miles of CLT. Well, today American announced that they were doing something about the top city on that list. Twice a day service to Madison, WI (MSN) starts on April 5th. Will update with aircraft type when American loads the flights into their reservation system over the weekend.
This leaves Wichita, KS (ICT) as the largest unserved market with a thousand or so miles of Charlotte. Note though that the Charlotte – Wichita market is a about a third smaller than Charlotte – Madison and that Wichita is a couple hundred miles further away.
Update: Looks like American will be using Bombardier CRJ700s on the route. The CRJ700 seats 65 and features a first-class cabin. The selection of a large regional jet instead of a 50-seater for this route is very interesting, and highlights the potential of such secondary Midwest markets. Recent additions in the area have done well — Grand Rapids, MI has been upgraded to CRJ700s from 50-seaters while Ft. Wayne, IN is getting an extra (second) flight.
