WZZM-13 reports that Southwest Airline officials have committed to keeping its subsidiary discount airline, AirTran, at Gerald R. Ford International Airport. Leaders from the airport and the Regional Air Alliance of West Michigan applaud the decision, citing increased air travel at the airport as one of the economic benefits for the region.
According to excerpts from the story:
Southwest Airlines executives say they will keep their subsidiary, AirTran, flying into Grand Rapids. AirTran began service to Gerald R. Ford International Airport in May 2010. A few months later, Southwest merged with the smaller discount airline.
The Regional Air Alliance of West Michigan led the recruitment effort to bring AirTran to Ford Airport. On Friday, RAA founder Dick DeVos issued a statement praising Southwest's decision to stay in Grand Rapids.
"This is a real endorsement that both the Gerald R. Ford International Airport will continue to be a strong regional asset and that West Michigan appreciates and supports quality commercial air service," said DeVos in the statement.
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