Dallas—Jan. 28, 2014—
Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) today announced new service between Kansas City International Airport and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport beginning Saturday, Feb. 1, 2014. The U.S. Department of Transportation granted Southwest Airlines authority to serve the new route in response to Southwest’s petition, which was actively supported by Kansas City Mayor Sly James and Kansas City Director of Aviation Mark VanLoh, A.A.E. The first flight takes off this coming Saturday and will be operated by AirTran Airways, Southwest’s wholly owned subsidiary, through Feb. 15, after which Southwest Airlines will operate the service itself.
“This announcement solidifies Kansas City’s reputation as a top-tier, centrally-located travel destination for both business and leisure passengers,” said Mayor Sly James. “People across the world are noticing what Kansas City has to offer, and I fully support Southwest’s efforts to increase the volume of crowds coming to our City.”
“Southwest has been interested for the past several years in providing our Kansas City Customers with nonstop access to Reagan National Airport. We thank Mayor James and Aviation Director VanLoh for their active support, and the Department of Transportation for its quick action in making this flight possible,” said Ron Ricks, Southwest Airlines Executive Vice President and Chief Legal & Regulatory Officer. “We have a great partnership with the City and the airport, and we know the route will bring our Customers flying between Washington, D.C., and Kansas City access to more seats and lower fares.”
“When we learned another carrier planned to stop flying to Washington, D.C., we thought Southwest Airlines was the right airline to step in,” said VanLoh. “More than 270 passengers per day fly from Kansas City to D.C., and now they can get there nonstop on Southwest!”
Southwest Airlines’ schedule is now open through August 8, 2014; however, this flight is only available via AirTran distribution channels today through February 6. Beginning February 7, the flights also will be available at
southwest.com.
