Advanced Air Set to Offer Flights Between ABQ, Las Cruces  

NM – After nearly two decades without commercial flights between Albuquerque and Las Cruces, Southern California-based Advanced Air has been selected to provide the service again. Under the two-year contract beginning Jan. 16, the regional airline will provide seven weekly flights between Las Cruces International Airport and Albuquerque International Sunport. In addition, Advanced Air will make two flights on Mondays and Fridays and one on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. “We’re proud to work with our partners at Advanced Air to offer this new service between our communities,” said Richard McCurley, Director of Aviation for the City of Albuquerque. “The quick 54-minute flight will provide a convenient option for those who commute from Albuquerque to the Las Cruces area and is another encouraging indicator of our industry’s growth going into 2023.” 

Fixed pricing starts at $85 each way, or customers can purchase bulk packets of 10 one-way tickets at a savings of 20% off refundable fares. In addition, customers will be treated to complimentary snacks and drinks aboard Advanced Air’s nine-seat King Air 350. “We are thrilled to be working with the City of Las Cruces and the State of New Mexico to bring viable air service back to this vibrant culture and community,” said Levi Stockton, founder, and president of Advanced Air. 

Las Cruces becomes the fourth airport in New Mexico serviced by Advanced Air, joining Albuquerque, Silver City’s Grant County Airport, and Gallup Municipal Airport. With this new service, the Sunport offers 26 nonstop flights to destinations throughout the country. “Passenger air service returning to Las Cruces has been a long time in the making. We’re excited about having a new travel option for business, tourism, and health care,” said Las Cruces Airport Administrator Andy Hume. 

The funding for passenger air service comes from the New Mexico Rural Air Service Enhancement Grant, which was put into place to guarantee that small communities without scheduled operations could attract regular air service, providing access to a large or medium-hub airport. This program offers a mix of state and city-allocated funds to induce airlines to enter the smaller markets in New Mexico. Last summer, Gallup became the first recipient of the grant, also serviced by Advanced Air.