AirTran Airways Expanding Service in Branson

ORLANDO, Fla., Feb. 23, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- AirTran Airways, a subsidiary of AirTran Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: AAI), and the Branson Airport today announced new nonstop service, beginning in May, to Branson from Baltimore/Washington, Chicago (Midway) and Houston (Hobby).

The expanded service comes in response to increased demand from customers and will give AirTran Airways passengers around the country better access to the "Live Music Show Capital of the World."

"Branson's family-friendly sights and sounds make it one of America's favorite vacation destinations," said Tad Hutcheson, AirTran Airways' vice president of marketing and sales. "AirTran Airways prides itself on customer service and moved quickly when the demand for more service to Branson became clear."

Last year 8 million travelers visited Branson's world famous hotels, took in its wide array of top-flight entertainment options and enjoyed the area's other attractions.

"Branson has been one of the top travel destinations in the U.S. for residents of Chicago, Houston and our nation's capital region for several years," said Jeff Bourk, Branson Airport's executive director. "This new air service will make visiting 'The Live Music Show Capital' easier and more affordable than ever while connecting Branson to virtually every corner of the country."

The support AirTran Airways has experienced since launching commercial service from Branson has been excellent. Branson has proven to be a very strong air service market for the low-cost carrier.

The following nonstop flights between Branson and Baltimore/Washington will be available beginning May 28, 2011:

The following nonstop flights between Branson and Chicago will be available beginning May 27, 2011:

The following nonstop flights between Branson and Houston will be available beginning May 26, 2011:

About AirTran Airways

AirTran Airways is a Fortune 1000 company and has been ranked the number one low cost carrier in the Airline Quality Rating study for the past three years. AirTran Airways is the only major airline with Gogo Inflight Internet on every flight and offers coast-to-coast service on North America's newest all-Boeing fleet. Our low-cost, high-quality product also includes assigned seating, Business Class and complimentary XM Satellite Radio on every flight. To book a flight, visit www.airtran.com

About Branson Airport

Opening its doors May of 2009, Branson Airport LLC is the first privately developed and operated commercial service airport in the United States. Currently serviced by AirTran Airways, Frontier Airlines and Branson AirExpress; additional carriers and destinations are on the horizon. Located in the heart of the Ozarks and centrally located in the Midwest, the airport also boasts a state of the art FBO, Branson JetCenter and a full service travel agency and public charter operator, FlyBranson Travel LLC d/b/a Branson AirExpress.  For more information on Branson Airport LLC and any of its subsidiaries please visit FlyBranson.com.

SOURCE AirTran Airways