The first flight from Santa Barbara to Sacramento took off Tuesday.
Contour Airlines is offering the daily, non-stop flight out of the Santa Barbara Airport.
The first flight was scheduled to depart at 12:10 p.m.
It received a fire department water cannon salute, which hasn’t been done at the airport in more than seven years due to the drought.
“I can’t think of a more fitting tribute to this new service,” said Santa Barbara Mayor Cathy Murillo in a press release.
Airport officials say direct air service to Sacramento has been in high demand since the service was last offered nearly a decade ago.
“I’ve heard the stories about how difficult it has been to travel between Santa Barbara and Sacramento. Making the drive or flying through another airport is an inconvenience that’s coming to an end none too soon,” said Airport Director, Henry Thompson.
The airline says the new service will allow travelers to get from Santa Barbara to Sacramento in less time than it takes to drive to LAX or Burbank.
Contour Airlines also flies to Oakland and Las Vegas from Santa Barbara.
Beginning May 1, the Oakland and Las Vegas flights are expected to increase to two per day.
For information on flight schedules and ticketing, click here.
