UPDATED February 10, 5:32 P.M.: As of late today, all 9 new air carrier slots were allocated. Southwest received 4 slots; JetBlue received 3 and Delta received 2. According to the city, the allocations could change if one or more carriers do not accept the allocation. (See below for earlier post)

 

Southwest Airlines appears to be headed to Long Beach after the city confirmed late today the airline has been allocated at least 2 of the 9 flight slots up for grabs. If the airline follows through, it will mark the first time Southwest has serviced Long Beach Airport.

 

The new allocation of 9 flights is due to a reduction in the cumulative noise from commercial air carrier flights at the airport.

 

Also applying for additional slots are JetBlue Airways and Delta Air Lines, both of which currently operate from the airport. JetBlue requested 9 slots and Delta asked for 2.

 

As a new carrier to the city, Southwest is automatically given 2 slots, per the city’s flight allocation resolution. The other 7 slots are still to be allocated, which means Southwest – which applied for 9 slots – could be given additional flights.

 

For more information, see the February 16 issue of the Business Journal.