BRANSON, MO – The Branson Airport, located just 8 miles from the center of Branson, MO, is the first privately developed and operated commercial service airport in the United States.  Opening May 11, 2009 – only 2 years after the earthwork began, this $155 million project introduces an innovative business model with the potential to redefine air travel in the United States by focusing on creating a more pleasant travel experience for customers.

How will the Branson Airport experience differ from any other airport? Here are some examples:

• Great Rates. Airport officials are looking to provide a good product at a reasonable price and are working with low-cost carriers. Airtran will provide daily roundtrip nonstop flights to Branson from Atlanta, GA and Milwaukee, WI. Current one-way ticket prices are as low as $76. Sun Country Airlines will also provide exclusive non-stop service from Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN. Flights are scheduled on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays featuring a $79 one-way introductory fare.

• Great Customer Service. As a profit-driven operation, Branson Airport has more incentive to treat customers better. They plan to infuse warmth, hospitality and a concierge-like customer service into the arrival and departure experience. Examples: Associates will help arriving passengers customize their Branson experience. Performance tickets will be available at the airport. Rental car customers will never touch their luggage. When they step out of their cars, a porter picks up their luggage, hands them their boarding pass and they walk directly to the terminal.

Right now, Branson attracts more than 8 million travelers each year. Of those, 5.4 million travel from beyond 300 miles and are good airport candidates. By offering low-cost flights from large U.S. cities, the airport expects to significantly increase the number of new visitors. The airport has the capacity to handle more than 1 million enplanements annually.

To celebrate the grand opening of the Branson Airport, Branson plans a great show: the First Annual Branson Air Show. From May 8 – 10, 2009, the country’s top air show performers - including the USAF Thunderbirds, US Army Golden Knights, Aeroshell Aerobatic Team, Manfred Radius, Patty Wagstaff, John Klatt (Air National Guard) and many more - will perform stunning displays of aerial acrobatics at this must-see event.

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