CONTACTS:
Dan Mann, Airport Director, 362-3131 or
Pam Hinman, Director of Marketing & Communications, 286-5719
Atlanta Service Starts Friday
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 6, 2006 – The first non-stop flight to Atlanta on Delta Connection Carrier Atlantic Southeast Airlines departs The Eastern Iowa Airport at 6:30 a.m. Friday, June 9 and the plane is filling up.
Airport Director Dan Mann said he expects about 40 of the 50 seats to be filled, which is a positive indication of things to come.
"Business travelers in the Corridor have long wanted this direct flight that also offers some of the best connections to South, Southeast and international locations," he said. "We know this flight is going to be popular and the more often we can fill the plane, the quicker Delta will see the need to add another flight."
Passengers on that first flight Friday will be treated to some "carry-on" breakfast, Airport luggage tags and travel mugs. It's the Airport's way of saying thank you to those who took advantage of this new opportunity.
Radio station KZIA 102.9 will add to the celebratory mood that morning with a live remote from the Airport from 5 a.m. to 8 a.m. with radio personality Greg Runyon.
The Bombardier CRJ200 jet aircraft arrives Thursday night at about 9:30 a.m. The plane remains at the Airport each night, ready for that daily early morning flight. The flight departs Cedar Rapids at 6:30 a.m., arriving in Atlanta at 9:28 p.m. (local time). The return flight leaves Atlanta at 8:05 p.m., arriving in Cedar Rapids at 9:27 p.m.
Travelers who have business in Atlanta could make it a day trip. And all travelers will be able to take advantage of Delta's connections to more than 200 domestic and international destinations available daily.
Mann said Delta recognizes in addition to the Cedar Rapids/Iowa City Corridor, there are many travelers in the Waterloo and Dubuque markets who will want to take advantage of this service.
"Delta obviously has reviewed the area and knows there are passengers waiting to get on board, and The Eastern Iowa Airport market provides Delta a strong revenue source," he said. "This new service is a win for Eastern Iowa and a win for Delta."