LONG BEACH : Commercial Flights at Airport Will Drop to 7

American Airlines announced Tuesday that it will discontinue its last two daily flights from Long Beach Airport as part of a general plan to cut back on unprofitable operations. The two flights to Dallas/Fort Worth have been averaging only 35% to 40% passenger loads, a spokesman said.

The announcement was the second in less than two weeks by a major airline reducing commercial service at Long Beach. On March 25, Alaska Airlines said that it would cut in half its six daily flights from Long Beach as of June 6, leaving only seven major commercial flights a day. Four years ago, the number was 41.

Spokesman Tim Smith said American’s decision was driven by falling profits and increased competition from smaller airlines. The cutbacks by American, which has been in Long Beach since 1983, go into effect June 16.

Airport spokeswoman Lonnie Mitchell said the city loses $175,000 a year in revenues for each flight that is discontinued. “Fortunately, there are other airlines that have indicated an interest in serving Long Beach,” she said. The airport expects to formalize an agreement next week with another airline for six daily flights, she added.