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FeedUPDATE: Here's a link to a map of cities AirTrain serves; just click on Atlanta to see where you can get from there...53 connection possibilities, if we're counting correctly.
The first plane to land at Branson Regional Airport arrived this morning. No, the new airport isn't open for business yet. You'll have to wait until May to hop on a flight. But to announce the airport's first official carrier, a brand-spanking-new AirTran Airways Boeing 717 flew in and landed on the runway. The plane, which came straight from Atlanta, was greeted by a cold cocoa-sipping crowd, a performance of the Star Spangled Banner by Branson a capella group Six, and Santa Claus himself. (The Mr. and Mrs. of Christmas met the AirTran captain and employees as they filed out of the plane.)
AirTran airways, which was ranked No. 1 in airline quality among all U.S. airlines in 2008 and has the youngest all-Boeing fleet in the country, will provide non-stop flights to its hub in Atlanta. One-way flights to Atlanta, which will start May 11, will begin at $99. From the Atlanta hub, passengers can continue on to 53 cities.
Of Branson's 8 million annual visitors, 7 million of them travel from more than 300 miles away. AirTran's vice-president of marketing and sales, Tad Hutchinson, says he hopes the airline and Branson Regional Airport will help turn the tourist-filled town into a fly city. To build the airport, 11 million yards of dirt were moved, and enough concrete was poured to build a sidewalk from Branson to Atlanta. We'll keep you posted on other airline announcements and Branson Regional Airport news as we hear about it.
Posted on Friday, December 12, 2008 | Permalink
Reader Comments:
This is great for everyone in Springfield, Branson, NW AK and everyone in between.
Thanks Branson Airport Staff for getting us these connections and low fairs.
Why on earth would anyone fly the new "Branson" airport? The fares I have checked are no better than Springfield. The main differance is that the connections and frequency of flights stink so far. We all know what delays can do, getting stuck for the next flight out!
This private airport deal was already tried in Branson, what a flop. Exclusivity is what they are preaching, a monopoly usually means more $$$.
Springfield-Branson has over a dozen cities it connects to. My business is staying there.
looks like the springfield fares are coming down. economy and competition, one or both? sgf is beating the "new" airport promotional fares. better connections too!