Branson Airport Destination Expansion Hits the Wires

BRANSON, Mo. — Branson Airport announced Tuesday new nonstop service between Branson and Austin, Texas; Houston, Texas; Des Moines, Iowa; Shreveport, La.; and Terre Haute, Ind. The new service, to be marketed as public charter flights under the name Branson AirExpress, will be operated by ExpressJet Airlines. Flights are to commence on May 17. Branson Airport is the first privately developed and operated airport in the United States. The airport is located in Taney County about eight miles south of Branson. Beginning May 17, Branson AirExpress will offer nonstop service five days a week between Branson and Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Austin; William P. Hobby Airport in Houston; and Des Moines International Airport; and three times a week service between Branson and Shreveport Regional Airport and Terre Haute International Airport. According to the announcement, passengers may combine flight segments to create connections from each of the partner airports to the other partner airports. To inaugurate the new service, Branson AirExpress is offering $49 introductory fares for flights to Austin and Houston and $39 fares to Des Moines, Terre Haute and Shreveport. "This is an exciting time for us and our partner airports as this service will provide travelers flexibility, convenience and low fares when flying to and from Branson," said Jeff Bourk, Branson Airport's executive director. Along with introducing the new service, May also marks Branson Airport's one-year anniversary. The airport currently offers service from AirTran Airways. Sun Country Airlines is to resume its service this spring, and Frontier Airlines is to begin service April 20.