Naples residents divided over American Airlines expansion proposal

NAPLES, Fla. (WINK)—American Airlines pitched a proposal to the Naples Airport Authority to launch new service to Naples, with flights potentially starting in December.

The Naples Airport Authority board did not have to make any decisions but discussed the logistics of what would need to change if American Airlines operates on the runways.

American Airlines outlined what their proposal would look like for customers at the board meeting. The airline plans to fly 65-seat regional jets that meet the airport's weight and noise limits.

"We're planning to operate two to three flights per day, starting this December in this upcoming winter season," said Jordan Pack, director of domestic network planning at American Airlines.

"We're going to do that by connecting Naples to one of our largest hubs, which is Charlotte, North Carolina," Pack said.

Some Naples residents say adding the airline would bring benefits beyond travel.

"It would be more convenient for me. It's closer than RSW," said Michael Schultz, a Naples resident.

"It would add jobs yearlong to the community, which is needed when the tourists leave," Schultz said.

Meanwhile, others say they don't want the extra air traffic.

"My main concern was the addition of flights," said Mary Tatigian, a Collier County resident.

"Our airport is, I would think, to capacity as a person that lives in Flight Path 523 and we're inundated with 95% of the noise," Tatigian said.

The proposal is not a done deal. The board talked about space concerns—does the airport have enough room, and if it does, what does that mean if another commercial airline wanted to operate out of the public airport down the line?

Many of those questions need time to find answers. As conversations continue, the board says they're also interested in hearing from the public and plan to work on a survey to get more feedback.