BISMARCK AIRPORT PROUDLY WELCOMES FIRST AMERICAN AIRLINES FLIGHT
Bismarck, ND: Today marks the beginning of a new era as the first American Airlines aircraft from Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) and Chicago O’Hare (ORD) touched down at the Bismarck Airport. Officials gathered at the Bismarck Airport to proudly welcome the first American Airlines flights to the Capitol city and the Western North Dakota region.
“We are beyond excited to welcome American Airlines to the community today,” said Airport Manager Greg Haug, “Having another network carrier providing global access to two major hubs is a huge economic advantage to the region.”
Flights operate daily on regional jet aircraft providing nonstop access into the largest airline network in the world. Bismarck-Mandan Chamber Membership has overwhelmingly supported American’s entrance by providing matching funds to a Department of Transportation grant in order to secure the two new routes. The additional flights and destinations will provide more flight options for an extremely robust economy; especially those seeking a southern hub.
“The business community appreciates the opportunity to partner with the city,” said Annette Behm- Caldwell, Chair of the Chamber Board. “Addressing the needs of our community from air service to affordable housing and infrastructure requires cooperation between the public and private sectors. These new destinations create new avenues for doing business in North Dakota.”
American Airlines announced it was expanding into the Bismarck region in May 2014 noting that American “remains committed to expanding our domestic service to better serve our customers in small- and medium-size markets,” said Chuck Schubert, American’s vice president of network and schedule planning. “By building our network presence in these regional markets, we are providing more people in more places access to our global network covering more than 330 destinations in more than 50 countries around the world.”
Matthew Greek, Vice President of Generation for Basin Electric said, “Air service is essential to attracting and retaining employees. Today, there are 4,000 jobs open in our community. This new service boosts our ability to recruit people from around the nation and enhances the quality of life for our current employees”.
“The start of American Airlines service in Bismarck is excellent news for the community and region. American’s new flights are a prime example of the benefits a community can achieve from a public-private partnership, such as the one the Airport and Chamber developed to secure this new air service,” said Bismarck Mayor Mike Seminary.
American’s new service to Dallas/Fort Worth and Chicago will provide a host of additional travel options that are currently unavailable to the Bismarck area traveler today. For more information or to book a flight, customers are encouraged to visit www.aa.com.
About Bismarck Airport: The Bismarck Airport is a public airport located in the Capitol of North Dakota. The Airport is operated by the City of Bismarck and is currently served by four commercial airlines offering routes to five destinations. The Airport has realized a 70% increase in passenger boardings over the last ten years. For more information on the airport visit www.bismarckairport.com