Delta now an option in S. Falls

[jackmd]

Competition, always a good thing. More options, better prices.

Delta Airlines

[89rabbit]

Re: Delta now an option in S. Falls

This is good news for us and our Conference hunt.  More option and lower prices.

http://www.argusleader.com/news/Thursdayfeature.shtml

Delta airlines arrives; price wars begin
Jay Kirschenmann
jkirsch@argusleader.com

published: 7/29/2004

Competition brings options

When Delta Connection Flight 5667 takes off at 10:40 a.m. today on its first flight out of Sioux Falls, local airport officials hope it's another step toward increased convenience, more choices and better prices for air travelers.

They aren't the only ones excited about new carriers coming in. Travel agents say price wars already have started.

United and Northwest began a low-price deal on Tuesday, with a $208 round-trip ticket to Atlanta. As of Wednesday afternoon, Delta's lowest fare from Sioux Falls to Atlanta was $215.  

"Of course this is in response to Delta starting service," said Kathy Kooiman, manager of Abbott Travel. "Airlines are very aggressive, so the more carriers the better for the traveling public."

It's been another big week for Sioux Falls Regional Airport, with Delta starting three daily flights to Cincinnati through its Comair subsidiary, Allegiant Air announcing a third weekly flight to Las Vegas and America West expressing renewed interest in flying between Sioux Falls and Phoenix.  .  .  .

Looking west

The next project is to draw America West, says airport director Mike Marnach.

"We've attracted one low-cost carrier with Allegiant; now we want another one," Marnach said. "Delta is not a low-fare carrier. We need to have low-cost competition in Sioux Falls."

In response to a letter from Michael Britman of America West Airlines, the Sioux Falls Regional Airport Authority recently extended the deadline it set for offering incentives to bring the carrier to Sioux Falls.  .  .  .

"America West continues to be interested in serving the Sioux Falls-Phoenix market," company spokesman Michael Britman said. The incentives "would obviously ease our entry into the market."  .  .  .

Go State! ;D