Charleston Metro Chamber Helps Land AirTran Airways to Charleston Airport

The Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that AirTran Airways will begin air service to Charleston International Airport May 24, 2007.

The cost of air travel is one of the top issues for the business community and that is why the Chamber has responded by partnering with the Charleston County Aviation Authority and Charleston Area Convention and Visitors Bureau to actively recruit AirTran Airways to Charleston to lower air travel costs and expand air service.

“We are thrilled to welcome AirTran Airways to Charleston. Today is a new day in our region,” said Tom Hood, chairman of the Chamber Board at the official announcement February 22. “Air travel costs significantly impact the bottom line of the business community when they have to pay high costs to fly. For too long, high airfares have hindered regional economic development and caused great expense and inconvenience to the Charleston business community and the general traveling public. The Chamber has recognized this problem and several months ago began a renewed effort, along with the Charleston County Aviation Authority and Charleston Convention & Visitors Bureau, to attract a low-cost air carrier to Charleston.”

On behalf of the business community, the Chamber has committed to work to ensure AirTran Airways success in Charleston. Beginning today, the Chamber is launching an intense effort to secure a commitment from the area’s business community to spend at least 20 percent of their normal air travel budget on AirTran Airways. For those businesses that would like to commit, CLICK HERE for the online form to make your pledge. Our goal is to demonstrate to AirTran that the business community understands to keep low cost air service in charleston, we have to fly AirTran.

In addition, the Chamber will have an educational campaign over the next several months to help the Charleston community understand the importance of supporting AirTran Airways in the long term.

provided by the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce