ORLANDO, Fla., March 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- AirTran Airways, a subsidiary of AirTran Holdings, Inc. , today launched nonstop service from Des Moines International Airport to Orlando International Airport. To celebrate the inaugural flight, the airline hosted an event at the airport with a host of local leaders.
"By expanding our network to Des Moines, residents in the Hawkeye state now have a choice when planning their winter getaways to Orlando," said Loral Blinde, senior vice president of human resources and administration for AirTran Airways. "We recognized the need for a low cost carrier in Des Moines and the initial reaction has been spectacular."
Since announcing weekend service in November, response has been so strong that the airline will add a third flight to Orlando on May 4, 2010, for the summer.
"Having AirTran return to Des Moines is fantastic," said Jim Erickson, chairman, Des Moines International Airport Board. "We can already see the effect their presence is having on fares."
The following nonstop flights between Des Moines and Orlando will be available beginning March 6, 2010:
Nonstop Service Between Des Moines and Orlando From To Flight Departs Arrives Frequency ---- -- ------ ------- ------- --------- Orlando Des Moines 1297 8:50 a.m. 10:50 a.m. Sat, Sun Des Moines Orlando 1298 11:25 a.m. 3:05 p.m. Sat, Sun
On May 4, 2010, a third flight will be added to the following schedule for the summer:
From To Flight Departs Arrives Frequency ---- -- ------ ------- ------- --------- Orlando Des Moines 1297 10:40 a.m. 12:40 p.m. Tue, Thur Des Moines Orlando 1298 1:20 p.m. 5:00 p.m. Tue, Thur Orlando Des Moines 1297 1:48 p.m. 3:48 p.m. Sat Des Moines Orlando 1298 4:23 p.m. 8:03 p.m. Sat
In addition to celebrating AirTran Airways' first flight to Des Moines, the festivities also highlighted the Company's marketing partner, SkyWest Airlines' service from Iowa's capitol to Milwaukee.
"Three daily round-trip flights to Milwaukee mean even more convenient travel for Des Moines passengers," said Lori Hunt, vice president of people for SkyWest Airlines. "Customers who fly SkyWest to Milwaukee get an exceptional travel experience, low fares and access to AirTran's coast to coast route network."
Milwaukee's General Mitchell International Airport is AirTran Airways' second hub and serves dozens of destinations from coast to coast.
AirTran Airways, a subsidiary of AirTran Holdings, Inc. and a Fortune 1000 company, has been ranked the number one low cost carrier in the Airline Quality Rating study for the past two years and is the recipient of the prestigious 2010 Market Leadership Award from Air Transport World. AirTran is the only major airline with Wi-Fi on every flight and offers coast-to-coast service on North America's newest all-Boeing fleet. Its low-cost, high-quality product also includes assigned seating, Business Class and complimentary XM Satellite Radio on every flight. To book a flight, visit http://www.airtran.com/.
Media Contacts: AirTran Airways Christopher White Cynthia Tinsley-Douglas 678.254.7442
AirTran Airways
CONTACT: Christopher White or Cynthia Tinsley-Douglas, both of AirTran
Airways, +1-678-254-7442
Web Site: http://www.airtran.com/
