This fall, Eugene air passengers will have a new nonstop flight option. Horizon Air announced today (Monday) they're adding daily direct flights to San Jose.
San Jose was identified over five years ago as an underserved market. A partnership between the Eugene Airport and several economic development groups secured a half-million dollar grant to help establish the new service. Dave Hauser is President of the Eugene Chamber of Commerce:
Hauser: “Given the economic makeup of the San Jose area and a burgeoning startup and technology scene here in Eugene, we thought we’d not only be addressing an existing market but helping to fan the flames around some really exciting economic activity.”
Hauser says the connection to customers and venture capital in the Silicon Valley is important for regional growth. Currently, 85 percent of passengers from Eugene who fly to San Jose drive to Portland first. The new Horizon service begins November 5th. Tickets will be available for purchase June 9th.