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Southwest could offer low fares on more flights to more destinations out of RIC in 2012.
Have you seen the men with each letter of "BAGS FLY FREE" on their torsos standing on the tarmac? Or the rapping flight attendant explaining the safety procedures on your last flight? What about the symbols of LUV adorning the ticketing areas of the airport? Or Southwest's ability to help you cut red tape?
Southwest, the nation's top-rated airline*, is coming to Richmond. And they are bringing free checked bags and LUV with them. Best of all, the potential for low fares on more flights to more destinations is now in Richmond's future.
On May 2, Southwest Airlines completed the acquisition of AirTran Airways. Southwest is four times the size of AirTran; when combined, the airline will serve over 100 destinations. With a well-developed domestic network, Southwest will open up low-fare travel from RIC to our favorite destinations across the country. This is exciting news for the Richmond Region.
But there is still work to be done. With the acquisition complete, it is more important now than ever that travelers show their support for Richmond's low-cost carriers, especially AirTran. Southwest is evaluating AirTran's performance when making decisions about the markets it will serve. Let's send the right message- Richmond is excited about and will fly on Southwest.
More and more companies and organizations are recognizing the positive impact these airlines have on their bottom-line and the Region, and they are actively engaging their employees to show their support.
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Avanti Markets |
ECPI College of Technology |
Hyatt Place Richmond Innsbrook |
Richmond Raiders, LLC |
If you would like to join our list of supporters, please email info@savelowfares.com.
The Save Low Fares campaign is reaching out to the Richmond business community for action, and they are responding by flying on the low-cost carriers more often. AirTran and JetBlue's load factors on their primary business routes- Atlanta and Boston, respectively- are matching or surpassing legacy airline competitors' for the same destinations. Companies and organizations across the Region are aiding in the effort and making a difference. They are encouraging employees to fly on AirTran and JetBlue, even if it's up to $100 more expensive.
In addition, the four major jurisdictions-Chesterfield, City of Richmond, Hanover, and Henrico- in the region have come together and expressed their support for the campaign, each adopting resolutions in support of airline competition and the use of low-cost carriers. And, the Richmond Regional Planning District Commission, the Richmond Metro Convention and Visitors Bureau, Greater Richmond Partnership, Retail Merchants Association, as well as campaign champion Greater Richmond Chamber are behind the effort.
There is significant progress, but there is still work left to be done. Richmonders need to keep supporting our low-cost carriers, especially AirTran, to send Southwest the right message: Richmond is excited about Southwest's arrival.
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