AirTran to Service Unproven Market: Branson, Missouri

By Jim Burress

Atlanta, GA – When Branson, Missouri's airport opens in May, AirTran will provide one daily flight each way between the popular tourist destination and its Atlanta hub.

Right now it's the only commercial airline committed to the market.

AirTran spokeswoman Judy Graham-Weaver says despite tough economic times, airline executives think it makes good business sense to fly to Branson.

"It's a market that has about 8-million people going into Branson. It's very much a destination city. And 7.5 million of those people are driving right now."

But it's route exclusivity that cemented the deal. AirTran will have a monopoly on the Branson to Atlanta route says airport spokesman Gene Conrad.

"So they're able to come in here, brand their airline, develop the market increase flights without any competition. And that's really attractive to the airlines."

Branson's airport it privately-owned which allows it to offer airlines exclusivity without running afoul of government regulation.

Service begins May 11th.

Jim Burress, WABE News.