Today, Mayor Bob Knight, on behalf of the City Council, and the City of Wichita proudly announced that AirTran Airways, the nation’s second largest low fare airline carrier, would begin new non-stop service as early as this spring in Mid-Continent Airport in Wichita. This exciting announcement means three daily non-stop flights to and from Wichita and Atlanta as well as two daily non-stop flights to and from Wichita and Chicago-Midway. This totals 10 additional daily flights at Mid-Continent Airport.
This announcement comes after overwhelming community support was confirmed through the successful Fair Fares campaign. The Fair Fares committee brought in pledges from over 360 businesses, organizations and communities totaling $4.7 million. This was a key component in securing the low-fare carrier. Mayor Knight kicked off the campaign on December 11.
“The City of Wichita has proven it can and will tackle serious problems, find sensible solutions that work and then put those solutions to work for the good of the community,” said Mayor Bob Knight. At the announcement, Mayor Knight congratulated the entire community, including South Central Kansas for working together to succeed.
“AirTran Airways is proud to bring the Wichita community amenities currently not offered by other airlines,” said Kevin Healy, Vice President of Planning for AirTran Airways. Healy was in Wichita to finalize contract negotiations and announce the company’s arrival.
To supplement the Travel Bank pledges of community support, the City Council voted to approve the support of AirTran as it began business in Wichita. This support serves as a revenue guarantee to underwrite any monthly losses capped at $3 million in 2002 and $1.5 million in 2003. This amount does not have to be paid if AirTran makes a profit or covers their expenses. Also approved was a cooperative marketing budget to promote Mid-Continent Airport and AirTran. The City’s share of this partnership is $600,000.
“The investment is well worth it when considering the savings this will have on the Wichita community and all of South Central Kansas,” said Chris Cherches, City Manager. “According to industry experts, this investment saves the entire community $42.3 million.” This comes from AirTran’s low-fare discount pricing structure that will save millions for the traveling public.
AirTran will be flying their new Boeing 717s in the Wichita market. The jets are known for comfort and space in both business class and coach. Wichita is the airline’s 38th destination. While the two direct flights are to and from Atlanta and Chicago-Midway, this service will offer connections to an additional 35 destinations, including the Grand Bahamas Island. Service in Wichita begins May 8, 2002. For more information on AirTran, visit AirTran’s website at http://www.airtran.com/.