The Fair Fares Program is designed to bring three quality, discount airlines to Wichita. The goal of the Fair Fares pledge drive is to raise a total of $15-million in travel commitments by January 18, 2002. These pledges will provide the critical support the new airlines need to establish themselves at Mid-Continent Airport.

Under the program, businesses and organizations are being asked to commit 25-50% of their annual travel budget to AirTran Airways, Frontier Airlines and/or American Trans Air. The “deposits” in the Travel Bank are financial commitments which represent a partnership between the businesses of South Central Kansas and the discount airlines, helping reduce some of the high risk of starting new airline service.

With the Fair Fares Credit Card, businesses can pledge to the effort, but will not be required to come up with the cash up front. The Fair Fares Card will work exactly like a credit card. A business pledges an amount from its travel budget, then can use the Fair Fares Credit Card to charge that travel and pay for it later.

In announcing the innovative community campaign, Mayor Bob Knight said, "We are going to change the way Wichita business travels. We are going to change the way airlines do business in Wichita, and in the process, we are going to forge a new model for solving community problems."

Air Tran, Frontier and American Trans Air will feature fares which are 30-60% lower than the current prices charged by other airlines at Mid-Continent Airport. They will also offer a minimum of three round trips flights a day from their hubs in Atlanta, Denver, Chicago and Indianapolis, offering travelers more choices and flexibility.

For more information about the Fair Fares Program and to make a travel commitment, call Air Service Development Coordinator Steve Flesher at 316-946-4700. Learn more about the program at www.flywichita.com.