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AirTran Airways Boeing 717 “touches down” on
the first official landing at Branson Airport. |
At 9:57 a.m. a new era in Branson’s history began as an AirTran Airways Boeing 717 touched down on the runway and became the first aircraft to officially land at the Branson Airport. The AirTran jet taxied up to the parking ramp to the welcoming applause of dignitaries and others who had assembled for the official announcement of who would be the first carrier for the airport.
Tad Hutcheson, vice president of marketing and sales for AirTran announced that AirTran would begin service to Branson effective May 11, 2009. The service will be a single roundtrip nonstop flight between Branson Airport (BMG) and the world’s busiest airport Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) scheduled to depart ATL at 11:30 a.m. and arrive at BMG at 12:10 p.m. daily. The return flight to Atlanta is scheduled to depart BMG at 12:45 p.m. and arrive at 3:30 p.m. daily.
AirTran Airways is a subsidiary of AirTran Holding, Inc., a Fortune 1000 Company. It offers coast-to-coast flights and connects to 54 destinations through Atlanta including Orlando, FL, Las Vegas, NV, New York City, NY and San Juan Puerto, Rico. It was ranked number one in the 2008 Airline Quality Rating study. Following behind AirTran in the top five were Jet Blue, Southwest, Northwest and Frontier.
In describing the Branson Airport project and what the announcement of the carrier meant, the eyes of Steve Peet, CEO, Branson Airport had an excited sparkle as he said, “This is a big deal.” He described it as a fascinating project and commented that he really likes projects where everybody can win, believes this is one of those projects and that he couldn’t be prouder of the way things unfolded. Peet gave the credit for the vision and idea of an airport to Glenn Patch and that, “He [Peet] was just along for the ride.”
When asked about potential competition from the Springfield Airport trying to match Branson’s low cost fares, Peet said he thought it would be a great thing and that “Low airfares in southwest Missouri is exactly what everyone wants and needs.” He commented that if there were lower fares in Springfield it would benefit everyone including the Branson Airport and would stimulate all kinds of business including air travel and tourism.
Rick Ziegenfuss, Hollister City Administrator said that Branson Airport and the announcement of AirTran beginning commercial passenger jet service to the area will add a new dimension to the development of not only Hollister, but the entire Branson area. Ross Summers, President/CEO Branson /Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce & CVB described the announcement of the AirTran commercial jet service to the immediate Branson area as the opening of a new highway into Branson.
Branson Mayor Raeanne Presley said that expanded air service into Branson was great for both our visitors and our citizens. She felt that the airport and the air service it is bringing will provide more opportunities for people to travel to Branson and stay longer.
Furnished Courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent.
