GULFPORT - BILOXI, MS – Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport today announced that Southern Skyways will begin nonstop service to Atlanta (ATL), GA, beginning July 8, 2009. Service will operate three days a week using a 117 seat Boeing 717 aircraft operated by AirTran Airways. Flights are supported through a consolidated partnership agreement with Grand Casino Biloxi and IP Casino Resort.

Air only seats are now available to the general public for as low as $99 one way. Airfare and hotel packages are available for $249 and include a 4-day, 3 night stay. Travel agents may also earn a 10% commission. These flights can only be booked at www.SouthernSkyways.com or by calling the Southern Skyways reservation line at 1-877-2-FLY-SOUTH.

“We are very excited about the service from Atlanta to Gulfport, the relationship with our partner Casinos as well as providing service to the Gulfport community,” said Kent Elsbree, President of Southern Skyways.

“With Southern Skyways offering low-cost, nonstop service to Atlanta, we are now able to attract and retain passengers who may otherwise have driven to Atlanta or flown from neighboring airports,” said Travis Lott, Jr., Chairman of Gulfport-Biloxi Regional Airport Authority. “We are pleased to see the commitment of our casino partners in growing air service to the Mississippi Gulf Coast.”

“Grand Biloxi is proud to be a part of this exciting opportunity to partner with IP Casino Resort & Spa, Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport and Southern Skyways to commence with regularly scheduled non-stop service from Atlanta to Gulfport. This is a great example of our collective commitment to promote tourism and market the Mississippi Gulf Coast,” said Steve Ditchkus, Vice
President and General Manager of Grand Biloxi Casino Hotel & Spa.

“Thanks to the extraordinary effort and cooperation of the Airport Authority, Harrah’s Grand Casino, Southern Skyways and the IP Casino, Resort & Spa, we are excited to establish a strategic partnership to begin non-stop air service to and from Atlanta,” said Jon Lucas, President & General Manager of IP Casino Resort. “We look forward to working with the Grand to bring in additional
visitors to further enhance our tourism initiatives.”

Southern Skyways will operate Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. Departure/Arrival times are as follows:

Copyright 2009 Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport. All rights reserved. From http://www.flygpt.com.
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