[Obadno]

Airlines are adding flights to sky harbor like crazy. Good sign for our regional economy

American Airlines, the largest carrier operating at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, is adding four more flights to the Valley this winter.

Starting Dec. 18, American (Nasdaq: AAL) will launch service between Sky Harbor and Fort Lauderdale International Airport in Florida; Colorado Springs Airport; Hector International Airport in Fargo, North Dakota; and Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport.

These flights will operate daily, but only from Dec. 18 to April 6.

Phoenix has long served as a hub for American Airlines, but in recent years the carrier has treated it as more of a final destination than a connector airport.

“We’re the biggest airline in Phoenix and will continue to grow, especially during the peak winter when customers want to visit the most,” Vasu Raja, American’s vice president of network and schedule planning, said in a statement. “We’re looking forward to providing even more choices for our customers with new routes and increased service to key markets in California and the East Coast alike.”

The Colorado Springs, Fargo and Cincinnati flights will be flown on an Airbus A319 jet, which has 128 seats and three service classes. The Fort Lauderdale route will be serviced with an Airbus A321, which can seat more than 180 people. Bookings for these flights begin July 29.

American recently announced a number of new routes to Phoenix, including from Chihuahua, Mexico; Rapid City, South Dakota; Wichita, Kansas; and New Orleans. The airline is looking to add even more service to Phoenix.

In a press statement, American said it has plans to increase flying in eight cities this winter from Phoenix, including Las Vegas, Burbank and San Diego.