| Imperial County, California — The County of Imperial announces that the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has officially selected Advanced Air, LLC, as the next Essential Air Service (EAS) provider for Imperial County Airport (IPL). The four-year agreement will begin November 1, 2026, and continue through October 31, 2030. Under the new EAS agreement, Advanced Air will provide 24 nonstop round trips per week using nine-passenger Beechcraft King Air 350 aircraft. The federally supported service will include 12 weekly round trips to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) and 12 weekly round trips to Hawthorne Municipal Airport (HHR), providing access to the Los Angeles metropolitan area. Advanced Air has also announced additional connectivity for Imperial County travelers, including shuttle service between Hawthorne and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), as well as service to McClellan-Palomar Airport (CRQ) in Carlsbad, serving the San Diego area. The selection follows a public review process during which the Imperial County Board of Supervisors unanimously recommended Advanced Air as the community's preferred EAS provider. The Board's recommendation reflected community feedback emphasizing the importance of maintaining frequent air service, access to Phoenix and the Los Angeles area, and reliable transportation options for residents, businesses and visitors. “Reliable air service is essential to keeping Imperial County connected and supporting our region’s economic growth,” said Peggy Price, Chairwoman of the Imperial County Board of Supervisors. “We are pleased to welcome Advanced Air as our new air service provider and look forward to expanding travel opportunities for our residents, businesses, and visitors. With continued access to Phoenix and the Los Angeles area, this partnership represents an important investment in our community’s connectivity and future.” Advanced Air President and CEO Levi Stockton said the company looks forward to serving Imperial County and the broader region. “We are grateful to the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Imperial County Board of Supervisors for the opportunity to serve the Imperial Valley and surrounding region,” Stockton said. “Reliable air service keeps communities connected to jobs, medical care, family, and commerce, and that's what we intend to deliver. We look forward to welcoming passengers from across the region and from both sides of the border.” Advanced Air enjoys an interline agreement with Alaska Airlines, providing additional opportunities for passengers to connect Imperial County Airport with the national air transportation network. Through participating interline arrangements, travelers may be able to book connecting itineraries and transfer checked baggage between participating flights. Advanced Air has also indicated that additional agreements with major carriers are forthcoming. Flights beginning November 1 are now on sale through Advanced Air at advancedairlines.com and can also be found through major travel platforms, including Google Flights, Expedia and Orbitz. The USDOT has established a first-year federal subsidy of $5,355,138 for the EAS service, with annual adjustments over the four-year agreement, subject to the availability of federal funding. Advanced Air will succeed the current EAS provider, Southern Airways Express, whose existing service obligation has been extended through October 31, 2026. The USDOT expects both carriers to coordinate their efforts to ensure a smooth transition without interruption to air service. The County looks forward to working with Advanced Air and community partners as the transition moves forward. Additional information regarding flight schedules, airport operations and travel options will be shared as it becomes available. The USDOT's official selection order, Order 2026-9-13, is available at regulations.gov. About Advanced Air, LLC Advanced Air is a U.S.-based air carrier headquartered in Hawthorne, California, operating under FAA Part 135 with Commuter and 10 or More Operations Specifications and holding U.S. Department of Transportation Part 380 public charter authority. The company provides scheduled and charter air service with a focsus on reliability, safety and underserved regional markets. Flights can be booked at advancedairlines.com and through major online travel sites, including Google Flights, Expedia and Orbitz. For more information, visit advancedairlines.com |
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Imperial County Announces Advanced Air as New Essential Air Service Provider
October 2, 2026
Imperial County Announces Advanced Air as New Essential Air Service Provider
The County of Imperial announces that the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has officially selected Advanced Air, LLC, as the next Essential Air Service (EAS) provider for Imperial County Airport (IPL).
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