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Southwest could offer low fares on more flights to more destinations out of RIC in 2013.
The campaign to preserve and enhance airline competition
is working as more travelers are choosing to fly on our low cost carriers,
AirTran and JetBlue.
Both carriers are experiencing double-digit increases, a change that
contributed to Southwest Airline’s decision to serve Richmond as it converts
AirTran operations to Southwest.
Southwest’s announcement is a major boost for Richmond travelers, providing access and lower fares to the cities served by the nation’s largest domestic carrier—the airline that was ranked #1 by Consumer Reports for customer service in 2011. Service that includes free checked bags and lots of LUV. While Southwest has yet to set a date for its first Richmond flights, we hope to see their colorful aircraft at RIC sometime in 2013.
The presence of low cost carriers has a recurring, annual economic impact unlike any other activity in Greater Richmond. Competition delivers an estimated $80 million per year in ticket cost savings and offers a vital enticement for convention and visitor business.
When it comes to airfare competition at RIC, the individual choice that you make to include AirTran and JetBlue in your travel plans makes all the difference in the world. You and your fellow residents are demonstrating your power to preserve competition. And your “vote for competition” will create opportunities for more direct service from Richmond to popular destinations across the country.
Save Low Fares, Richmond!
Kim Scheeler
President
Greater Richmond Chamber
We need you to join the dozens of companies, non-profit organizations and governmental bodies who have pledged their commitment to Save Low Fares. Those companies have established travel policies and monitoring practices to ensure that their employees are flying on the low cost carriers. Most important, they are consistently communicating to employees and suppliers the importance of supporting low cost carriers to ensure airline competition. Learn how you can be involved by contacting us at info@savelowfares.com
More and more companies and organizations are recognizing the positive impact these airlines have on their bottom-line and the Region, and they are actively engaging their employees to show their support.
Avanti Markets |
ECPI College of Technology |
Hyatt Place Richmond Innsbrook |
Richmond Raiders, LLC |
If you would like to join our list of supporters, please email info@savelowfares.com.
The Save Low Fares campaign is reaching out to the Richmond business community for action, and they are responding by flying on the low-cost carriers more often. AirTran and JetBlue's load factors on their primary business routes- Atlanta and Boston, respectively- are matching or surpassing legacy airline competitors' for the same destinations. Companies and organizations across the Region are aiding in the effort and making a difference. They are encouraging employees to fly on AirTran and JetBlue, even if it's up to $100 more expensive.
In addition, the four major jurisdictions-Chesterfield, City of Richmond, Hanover, and Henrico- in the region have come together and expressed their support for the campaign, each adopting resolutions in support of airline competition and the use of low-cost carriers. And, the Richmond Regional Planning District Commission, the Richmond Metro Convention and Visitors Bureau, Greater Richmond Partnership, Retail Merchants Association, as well as campaign champion Greater Richmond Chamber are behind the effort.
We have made significant progress, but there is still work to be done. Richmonders need to keep supporting our low cost carriers so they will maintain and expand their flight schedules. Your support for AirTran now also will send a loud and clear message that Richmond will be great city for Southwest.
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