Southwest Airlines begins service to Branson

Southwest Airlines LUV has begun services to Branson, Missouri. Southwest attributes its entrance into the market to the roots planted by its wholly-owned subsidiary AirTran Airways. AirTran began service to the market in 2009 and currently serves one nonstop flight to Atlanta. Southwest will increase service options for Branson Customers by offering three daily nonstop flights to Dallas Love Field, Houston Hobby, and Chicago Midway, with additional Saturday-only nonstop service to Orlando. The introduction of Southwest’s larger Boeing 737 aircraft to the market means that passenger seat availability will increase, providing Branson Customers greater access to the airline’s vast network.