AirTran Announces Branson, MO

**JetBlueAirwaysFan** · 12-11-2008, 11:35 AM

airtran airways names branson, mo.,
its newest destination
Airline Will Fulfill Need for Nonstop Flights and Low Fares at Nation’s First Private Commercial Airport
ORLANDO, Fla. (December 11, 2008) – AirTran Airways, a subsidiary of AirTran Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: AAI), today announced plans to begin service to Branson, Mo. Effective May 11, 2009, the airline will offer roundtrip nonstop flights between Branson Airport in Branson, Mo., the first privately financed and operated commercial airport in the United States, and the worlds busiest airport Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Atlanta, Ga. The route will be served by AirTran Airways' popular Boeing 717-200 aircraft, which seats 117 passengers (12 in Business Class and 105 in coach).

“AirTran Airways will bring low fares to Branson, and give local residents the opportunity to travel across the country, while simultaneously encouraging tourists to visit the Ozarks and experience the city of Branson,” said Tad Hutcheson, vice president of marketing and sales for AirTran Airways. “We're excited to provide Branson's business and leisure travelers access to popular destinations across the country as well as be part of a memorable first in airport openings.”

“This is the manifestation of all our hard work to make this airport a reality! AirTran Airways is a perfect fit for the Branson Airport,” said Steve Peet, CEO, Branson Airport. “Nonstop, low-cost air travel to and from Branson was the goal when we started this project. We are thrilled that the number-one ranked airline in the 2008 Airline Quality Rating study is our first national carrier.”

“I want to applaud the hard work and dedication of the entire Branson Airport team, and the generous support of our friends in the Branson community for making today’s announcement possible,” said Jeff Bourk, Executive Director, Branson Airport.

In addition to the nonstop flights, AirTran Airways connects to 54 destinations through Atlanta, including Orlando and Tampa, Fla.; New York, NY, and San Juan, Puerto Rico

The following nonstop flights between Branson and Atlanta will be available beginning May 11, 2009, unless otherwise indicated:

Nonstop Service Between Branson and Atlanta

From
To

Flight

Departs

Arrives

Frequency

Atlanta

Branson

1580

11:30 a.m.

12:10 p.m.

Daily

Branson

Atlanta

1581

12:45 p.m.

3:30 p.m.

Daily

Airways will offer an introductory fare* for its new flights to/from Branson. Travel on introductory fares must be booked by January 14, 2009, for travel through June 24, 2009. Fares listed are one way, available daily and are valid in either direction:

Destination

Introductory Fare

Atlanta

$99

AirTran Airways, a subsidiary of AirTran Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: AAI), a Fortune 1000 company, is ranked number one in the 2008 Airline Quality Rating study. The airline offers coast-to-coast flights, North America’s newest all-Boeing fleet, friendly service and Business Class and complimentary XM Satellite Radio on every flight. To book a flight, visit AirTran.com.

Branson Airport, opening May 11, 2009, in Branson, Missouri, is the first privately financed and operated commercial airport in the United States. As the country's first privately funded airport, Branson Airport will offer visitors unparalleled hospitality and service steeped in the generous, welcoming spirit of the Ozarks. The $155 million project introduces an innovative business model that has the potential to redefine air travel in the United States by focusing on creating a more pleasant travel experience for customers. For more information on Branson Airport LLC, go to www.flybranson.com.

* Introductory fare is non-refundable, and a $75 fee per person applies to any change made after purchase plus any applicable increase in airfare. Reservations may be obtained or changed through an AirTran Airways Telephone Reservations Center for an additional $15.00 per person. Introductory fares must be purchased by January 14, 2009. Travel must be completed by June 24, 2009. Fares, routes, and schedules are subject to change without notice. Fares do not include per-segment tax of up to $3.60. A segment is defined as one takeoff and one landing. The September 11th security fee of up to $10 is not included. Airport Passenger Facility Charges of up to $18 are not included.

Sorry, just don't see it.

**T-Bird76** · 12-11-2008, 11:43 AM

Anyone want to take bets on how soon AirTran drops this route? They are a well run airline but man they start and dump routes more then any other carrier in biz.

**JetBlueAirwaysFan** · 12-11-2008, 02:36 PM

Agreed. I'd give it maybe six months. Where is there any demand for low fare service to Branson, MO of all places?

**moose135** · 12-11-2008, 04:24 PM

Originally Posted by JetBlueAirwaysFan

Agreed. I'd give it maybe six months. Where is there any demand for low fare service to Branson, MO of all places?

It's sort of a Redneck Las Vegas - with over 50 theaters featuring live shows and productions, plus museums, golf courses, and other attractions:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Branson,_Missouri

**Matt Molnar** · 12-11-2008, 04:57 PM

Originally Posted by JetBlueAirwaysFan

Agreed. I'd give it maybe six months. Where is there any demand for low fare service to Branson, MO of all places?

The only reason no one flew there before is there wasn't an airport. A private organization is building one which opens in May. This might actually be a very successful route.

**LGA777** · 12-12-2008, 12:12 AM

I had not heard about this interesting new airport, here is a link to the airports website.

http://www.flybranson.com/about

The airport is being built on land once owned by Tennesee Ernie Ford for those of you old enough to remember him, interesting project.

LGA777

**Alex T** · 12-14-2008, 05:59 PM

Branson, Missouri has huge demand as it is. As mentioned it is like a mini=las vegas. Many folks go there and usually fly to Springfield, Missouri and drive out to Branson.

Also if one takes the time to check the website out, you will see that they offer exclusivity..meaning FL is probably going to be the only airline to fly to ATL, and has no competition to worry about. Also helps ensure FL may have profit providing the route does well.

As a private enterprise, Branson Airport can do things municipal airports cannot. For example, it is able to offer exclusivity to airlines and vendors and develop unconventional revenue streams, such as offering naming rights and other sponsorship opportunities. It will also operate its own affinity program to attract air travelers to Branson.

Don't knock Branson down until you have tried it ;)

Alex

**JetBlueAirwaysFan** · 12-14-2008, 10:54 PM

I'm just surprised it was an LCC.

**Matt Molnar** · 12-15-2008, 12:46 PM

I wouldn't be surprised to see Southwest fly there at some point.

**JetBlueAirwaysFan** · 12-15-2008, 01:17 PM

Neither would I.

**JHNA57** · 12-17-2008, 08:38 AM

This may be the start of something big:

From AVWEB News:

"Branson Airport, in Branson, Mo., will host the first annual Branson Air Show, May 8-10, which will set the stage for the grand opening of the brand-new, privately operated commercial airport on May 11. Acts will include the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, the Aeroshell Aerobatic Team, Manfred Radius, Patty Wagstaff, and more, plus plenty of warbirds on display. More performers are expected to be confirmed soon.

Branson Airport is the first privately financed and operated commercial airport in the U.S. Organizers of the $155 million project say it will create a more pleasant travel experience for customers."