2024 had many air service milestones for Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS). With new airlines, exciting milestones, and 11 nonstop destinations added to AUS, we’re continuing to elevate your travel experience. Let’s dive into what made this year special and celebrate some major highlights together.

New Airline Partner: Viva Aerobus!

We were thrilled to welcome Viva Aerobus to the AUS family this year! This dynamic, low-cost airline launched nonstop service to Monterrey, Mexico (MTY) on March 22, 2024. Monterrey—known for its breathtaking mountains, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine—became more accessible than ever. With Viva Aerobus offering affordable and convenient flights, Austin travelers now have an incredible new destination to explore.

This isn’t the first time Monterrey has been in the spotlight at AUS. Viva Aerobus initially launched nonstop service to MTY on March 3, 2022, and the route grew immensely in popularity. Now, it’s back and better than ever, providing an even stronger connection between Austin and this vibrant Mexican city.

Whether you’re planning a family getaway, a business trip, or a culinary adventure, Monterrey is waiting for you. We couldn’t be more excited about this partnership and what it means for our community.

Celebrating 10 Years with British Airways

Let’s raise a glass (or a cup of tea)! British Airways celebrated its 10th anniversary at AUS. For a decade, they’ve connected Austinites to London Heathrow (LHR), one of the world’s busiest and most iconic airports. This nonstop service has been a gateway to Europe for travelers from Austin, making it easier than ever to explore destinations across the U.K., Europe, and beyond.

Over the past 10 years, British Airways has become more than just an airline partner; they’ve been an integral part of the AUS story. From their outstanding service to their state-of-the-art aircraft, they’ve continually raised the bar for international travel from Austin. Here’s to 10 more years (and beyond) of connecting Austin to the world!

Expanding Nonstop Service: 11 New Destinations in 2024

In 2024, airlines added 11 new nonstop destinations to AUS. Here’s a closer look at where you can fly next:

• San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU): Launched on March 9, 2024, Southwest Airlines will take you to this tropical paradise.
• Monterrey, Mexico (MTY):  Launched on March 22, 2024, Viva Aerobus made its grand return.
• McAllen, TX (MFE): Delta Air Lines launched this route on April 22, 2024, bringing the Rio Grande Valley closer than ever.
• Midland, TX (MAF): Also serviced by Delta Air Lines, launched on April 22, 2024, perfect for West Texas travelers.
• Nashville, TN (BNA): Music lovers rejoice! Delta Air Lines added this nonstop route on April 22, 2024.
• Montreal, Canada (YUL): Air Canada now connects Austin to this cultural gem, launched on May 3, 2024.
• Cleveland, OH (CLE): Frontier Airlines launched this nonstop service on May 16, 2024.
• Boston, MA (BOS): Explore historic Boston with Southwest Airlines, launched on June 8, 2024.
• Harlingen, TX: Delta Air Lines launched this route on October 7, 2024.
• Atlanta, GA (ATL): Frontier Airlines added this nonstop service on October 11, 2024.
• Omaha, NE (OMA): Launched on November 23, 2024, Southwest Airlines now makes it easy to visit this Midwestern hub.

With these additions, AUS offers 85 nonstop destinations, making flying wherever life takes you easier than ever.

Why These Milestones Matter

Every new destination and milestone represents growth, opportunity, and connection. Whether it’s expanding AUS’s reach with Viva Aerobus, celebrating a decade of excellence with British Airways, or adding 11 new nonstop routes, these achievements reflect our commitment to serving the needs of our growing region.

AUS is proud to be your gateway to the world and to bring you more ways to explore, connect, and experience life. Here’s to another incredible year of flying with AUS!

Where will you go next? For more nonstop flights from AUS, visit www.austintexas.gov/department/nonstop-flights-out-aus.

AUSTIN, Texas — Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced Thursday afternoon that he is launching an investigation into Character.AI and 14 other technology firms over alleged violations of the state’s online privacy and safety laws for children. 

This comes after the Austin American-Statesman reported on Thursday that two Texas mothers were suing Character.AI in federal court. The lawsuit alleged that the company’s artificial intelligence chatbot was encouraging self-harm and violence as well as sending sexually explicit messages the mother’s children. 

The Statesman attached screenshots of the messages the chatbot sent to one mother’s 17-year-old son–which were included in the lawsuit. One message the chatbot sent suggested it understood why children murder their parents, after the teen said his parents restricted his phone use. 

The other mother in the suit claimed that her 11-year-old daughter was receiving sexually explicit messages from the chatbot and it was manipulating her, according to the Statesman. 

Paxton said in a news release that he will investigate Character.AI, Reddit, Instagram, Discord and other companies over whether they violated two Texas privacy laws–the Securing Children Online through Parental Empowerment Act and the Texas Data Privacy and Security Act (TDPSA). 

The SCOPE Act was designed to protect children under the age of 18 from seeing “harmful” content and prevent companies from collecting their data. The law went into effect on Sept. 1, 2024, but a federal judge issued an injunction on the “harm prevention” part of the act.  

The TDPSA is another law that was enacted this year that established new requirements for how companies can store, collect and process Texans’ personal data. The act specifically says that a business must get consent before selling the data of a child under the age of 13. 

“Technology companies are on notice that my office is vigorously enforcing Texas’s strong data privacy laws. These investigations are a critical step toward ensuring that social media and AI companies comply with our laws designed to protect children from exploitation and harm,” said Paxton in the release.

In October, Paxton sued TikTok, claiming the platform violated the SCOPE Act by sharing the personal data of minors. 

Paxton also sued General Motors in August over its collection of user data, and he reached a $1.4 billion settlement with Meta over the company’s collection of biometric data. 

The joint ownership of the newest skyscraper in the downtown Austin, Texas, skyline recently announced reaching significant milestones. Construction of The Republic office tower at 401 W. Fourth St. has reached the 48^th and final floor. The project is expected to reach its full height of roughly 700 feet in January. On track to open in mid-2025, The Republic will be the tallest pure office building in the city when the structure’s crown is placed.

Meanwhile, leasing at the property has reached 50% with the recent addition of a new full-floor tenant: Global law firm Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP has signed a lease for 28,000 square feet of premier office space in downtown Austin and will occupy the entirety of the 32^nd floor.

First opened in Austin in 2014, Pillsbury has grown to serve the needs of the increasing technology market in the state. The firm also serves clients in energy and natural resources; financial; life sciences and digital health; real estate and construction; and other dynamic industries. This recently signed lease marks the firm’s continuing expansion in Texas and comes on the heels of a recent move to a new space in Houston.

“We’re excited to relocate into The Republic, which offers a prime location, top-line amenities, and an overall more modern environment that better aligns with our sophisticated clients,” said Ed Cavazos, Pillsbury’s Austin office managing partner. “This move reflects our commitment to Austin, our people here and the many exciting tech companies that call this city home.”

The tower’s owner is a partnership between full-service real estate firm Lincoln Property Company, Dallas-based real estate company Phoenix Property Co., and San Francisco-based real estate investment firm DivcoWest.

“Many professional services companies view their workspace as key to attracting and retaining top talent,” said Lincoln Executive Vice President, Seth Johnston. “The Republic is a next-generation office building offering amenities at a scale and level of quality that’s unlike anything else in Austin today.”

Designed by Duda Paine Architects, the tower will offer sweeping views of Lady Bird Lake and a direct connection to the building’s historic namesake, Republic Square Park. In addition to being the only building that opens to a full block of park space in the Central Business District, every office floor of The Republic will include a private terrace. The project also features nearly 17,000 square feet of ground-floor retail space, including three restaurant spaces and a 20,000-square-foot public plaza with an outdoor bar. Furthermore, the amenity space slated to occupy the entirety of the 19^th floor includes conference rooms; a fitness center and spin room; a club room with a lounge and bar; and a 25,000-square-foot, landscaped terrace covered by architectural shade canopies.

Amenities focused on the health and wellness of tenants and guests include touchless access technology, enhanced air-filtration systems, and the pursuit of WELL Health-Safety Rating and LEED Gold Certification.

Looking to rent office space in Austin or other vibrant markets in the region? Visit the CommercialCafe.com homepage to start your search.

Austin TX

Last modified: December 5, 2024

About the Author / Ioana Ginsac

Ioana Gînsac is a creative writer covering all-things-CRE for several Yardi product publications. Topics include industry news, U.S. office and industrial market reports, as well as features on development, architecture, urbanism, proptech, design, and more. Her work has appeared in AmericanInno, Bisnow, BusinessInsider, Commercial Property Executive, Curbed, Fast Company, Forbes, GlobeSt, Inc, Patch, The Real Deal.

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