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Southwest Airlines Begins Service at Gerald R. Ford International AirportAug 14, 2013 (Close-Up Media via COMTEX) -- Southwest Airlines announced that LUV has officially landed in West Michigan with service to Grand Rapids Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR). According to a release, the Grand Rapids community on August 11 rolled out the red carpet as Regional Air Alliance of West Michigan (RAAWM) Founder & Chairman Dick DeVos joined the Gerald R. Ford International Airport officials and community leaders in welcoming Southwest's first Customers to Grand Rapids. Southwest noted that it attributes its entrance into the market to the roots planted by its subsidiary AirTran Airways. AirTran served three daily nonstop departures to Baltimore/Washington International Airport and Orlando International Airport. Southwest doubles service options with six daily departures to Baltimore/Washington, Orlando, St. Louis, and Denver, connecting customers to more than 70 destinations, a 35 percent increase in cities served. And beginning next spring, the carrier will add daily nonstop departures to Ft. Myers and Tampa Bay. "Our arrival in Grand Rapids represents one of the true benefits of our integration with AirTran Airways, allowing us to continue to bring low fares and legendary Customer Service to the People of Grand Rapids," said Southwest Airlines Executive Vice President, Ron Ricks. "We're thrilled to provide West Michigan Customers access to our broad network of destinations; and just as importantly, giving better access to Michigan for our existing Customers across America. This growth is exciting for Southwest Airlines." With the introduction of Southwest's larger Boeing 737 aircraft to the market, the company reported, passenger seat availability will increase 117 percent, up from approximately 2,600 seats per week available on AirTran to Southwest's availability of more than 5,800 seats per week. Southwest's vast network will provide Grand Rapids Customers with more availability and better options. "Today is a special day for West Michigan with the addition of Southwest Airlines in our market," said Brian Ryks, Executive Director of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport. "We appreciate Southwest embracing our community to bring the very best in air service and we are eager to expand our partnership as we promote LUV throughout West Michigan." Southwest celebrated its inaugural Grand Rapids service with a press conference and welcome reception at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport. Southwest showed its dedication to the community by partnering with Make-A-Wish Michigan to help make a child's wish come true. Southwest and Make-A-Wish Michigan will help send five-year-old Aryka and her family from Grand Rapids to Orlando to go to Walt Disney World Resort. Southwest Airlines is an air carrier. AirTran Airways offers service to 47 destinations. The Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GFIA) is an airport in Michigan. Sweepstakes information: www.southwest.com/spiritmag More information: southwest.com www.flyford.org ((Comments on this story may be sent to [email protected])) |