EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP — AirTran Airways will become the newest air link in Atlantic City and the southern New Jersey region, Gov. Jon S. Corzine announced Monday, March 23 as he welcomed company officials to Atlantic City International Airport.
The airline will provide affordable non-stop daily service to and from Atlanta and the resort city beginning June 11.
“We could not be more pleased that AirTran will be providing air service out of the Atlantic City International Airport,” Governor Corzine said in a release. “The dynamic environment in Atlantic City and ongoing economic development throughout South Jersey has created the opportunity for AirTran to serve a market that has been eager for more convenient access to national air service. This new addition is a real boost for business and tourism in the Garden State.”
The announcement comes following a focused effort to attract new air service to the airport by the South Jersey Transportation Authority in partnership with Atlantic City stakeholders and casino operators. AirTran Airways, a subsidiary of AirTran Holdings, Inc, connects to more than 40 destinations through Atlanta.
“AirTran’s new Atlantic City Airport service will increase access to Atlantic City, improving commerce and tourism at the Jersey Shore,” said Transportation Commissioner and SJTA Chairman Stephen Dilts. “In addition, South Jersey residents may now travel to Atlanta through a convenient, local airport.”
Easily accessible to travelers from throughout New Jersey and Philadelphia, Atlantic City International Airport is as an alternative to other airports in the region. As a result, passengers have saved over 11 million miles and 314,000 traveling hours.
“AirTran’s service between Atlantic City and Atlanta is a big win for visitors to Atlantic City and for South Jersey residents who have been forced to fly into Philadelphia to do business in our region,” said Bart Mueller, Executive Director of the South Jersey Transportation Authority, the agency that owns and operates the Atlantic City International Airport. “We, along with our partners and stakeholders in Atlantic City, view AirTran’s new service as the tipping point for Atlantic City which has been eager for the expansion of scheduled service and access to new markets.”
Total passenger traffic at the airport averages about 1.2 million and is projected to increase by double digits over the next several years. A number of enhancement projects are in progress or will be underway to accommodate growth and increased demand, including a $23 million Federal Inspection Station for international service, a $30 million Airport Rescue & Fire Fighting Station and a $10 million Airfield/Apron expansion. Recently, the airport completed a $26 million Parking Garage as well as $10 million in airport terminal lobby improvements.
Visitors who traveled to the region via Atlantic City International generated $185 million at local businesses during their stay with each visitor spending $514 per stay.
“We can’t be a world-class destination if the world can’t get to us,” says Assemblyman John Burzichelli, chairman of the state’s Tourism and Gaming Commission. “AirTran’s new service between Atlantic City and Atlanta presents the final hurdle for Atlantic City to realize its potential as a sought-after leisure and convention destination.”
More than 10,700 jobs are supported at all of the aviation-related entities operated on the property owned by the South Jersey Transportation Authority. Economic activity at the airport alone has generated over 4,500 jobs in the region.
Wildwood – This is very interesting the Democrats are pulling their hair out and crying about the president elect's administration picks and his advisors. They were not concerned 4 years ago with Joey…
