Bond refunding adds $13 million
Of the St. Louis American
Things are looking up for Kevin Dolliole, also the entire St. Louis region.
Of course, as Lambert-St. Louis International Airport director, Dolliole spends a lot of time looking up at flights to and from his runways. He now has another carrier and more flights at which to gander.
AirTran Airways will begin daily non-stop service to and from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on May 8, with connections to 36 airports nationwide.
AirTran Airways will also add daily nonstop service to Orlando International Airport starting June 7. St. Louis is the 53rd destination to be served by the low-fare airline.
“I’m excited about AirTran Airways coming to St. Louis,” Dolliole said.
“The high-quality service it offers business and pleasure travelers will greatly benefit the community and the region.”
Also, the introductory fares are as low as $59 one-way.
AirTran Airways will be the only carrier out of St. Louis to offer Business Class seating and free XM Satellite Radio on every flight.
Mayor Francis G. Slay said AirTran considers St. Louis “a great market.”
“Our airline will be the gateway to low fares, nonstop service to Atlanta and Orlando, and easy connections to 36 destinations across the United States on our ever-expanding route map,” said Bob Fornaro, AirTran Airways’ president and chief operating officer.
Fornaro said his airline also offers “an award-winning frequent flyer program and the country’s youngest all-Boeing fleet.”
Perfect landing for bonds
St. Louis Comptroller Darlene Green announced Tuesday that Lambert Airport closed on a total of $354 million in Airport Revenue Refunding Bonds creating a $13 million present value debt service savings.
“Lambert Airport continues to improve its overall financial position by exercising fiscal responsibility and taking advantage of lower interest rates on bond refunding like this one, Green said.
She also applauded Dolliole’s work since coming to St. Louis from New Orleans.
“The airport director and his staff continue to do an outstanding job of expanding passenger service and managing Lambert’s finances,” said Green.
Nonstop Service From St. Louis to Atlanta
From To Flight Departs Arrives Frequency
St. Louis Atlanta 780** 6:00 a.m. 8:35 a.m. Daily
St. Louis Atlanta 786 10:30 a.m. 1:05 p.m. Daily
St. Louis Atlanta 784 2:00 p.m. 4:35 p.m. Daily
St. Louis Atlanta 788 5:20 p.m. 7:55 p.m. Daily
** Effective May 9th
Nonstop Service From Atlanta to St. Louis
From To Flight Departs Arrives Frequency
Atlanta St. Louis 789 9:10 a.m. 9:55 a.m. Daily
Atlanta St. Louis 783 12:40 p.m. 1:25 p.m. Daily
Atlanta St. Louis 781 4:00 p.m 4:45 p.m. Daily
Atlanta St. Louis 785 9:00 p.m. 9:45 p.m. Daily
Nonstop Service Between St. Louis and Orlando***
From To Flight Departs Arrives Frequency
St. Louis Orlando 790 11:25 a.m. 2:40 p.m. Daily
Orlando St. Louis 791 9:15 a.m. 10:50 a.m. Daily
***Effective June 7.
Following is a sample of fares* AirTran Airways will offer for its new flights to/from St. Louis. Travel on introductory fares must be booked by February 28 for flights through June 7. Blackout dates are May 24, 25 and 28. Fares listed are one way, available daily and are valid in either direction:
Destination Introductory Fare Lowest Walk-up Lowest Business Class
Atlanta $59 $209 $249
Orlando $79 $239 $359