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AirTran saves locals an
By Staff report
One year ago AirTran Airways announced its plans to serve Charleston International Airport. The airline launched flights here May 24, 2007, and the annual cost savings to the community since then is estimated to be $80 million, the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce reported.
The estimates are based on cost savings information compiled by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics. The agency recently reported that the average one-way fare from Charleston decreased from $187 in third-quarter 2006 to $151 in third-quarter 2007, a difference of 19%.
Based on the number of passengers using Charleston International Airport, the total estimated savings was $20 million for the quarter, with a total annual savings of $80 million based on four quarters.
In addition to the drop in average airfares, passenger traffic at Charleston International Airport increased more than 31% between June and December 2007 compared to the same period last year.
All sectors affected
Lower airfares have had an economic impact on all sectors in the Charleston area, including tourism, the business community and residents, chamber officials said.
“The cost savings is a direct result of AirTran entering our market,” said David Jennings, chairman of the Charleston County Aviation Authority. “Thanks to lower airfares, more people are able to fly. All the airlines serving Charleston have benefited from more business.”
Charles Van Rysselberge, president and CEO of the chamber, said Charleston had some of the most expensive airfares in the country prior to the arrival of AirTran.
“The cost of travel impacts everyone — from the recruitment of new business to the attraction of meetings and conventions,” Rysselberge said. “Even the parents of local college students can now afford to come and visit. All of that positively impacts the economy of our region. We must now ensure that AirTran remains in Charleston and is successful.”
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