DOT 26-08
Friday, February 22, 2008
Contact: Bill Mosley
Tel.: (202) 366-4570

Spirit, AirTran Selected for New Daily Flights
From Reagan Washington National Airport
To Fort Lauderdale and Either Milwaukee or Jacksonville

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) today awarded AirTran Airways and Spirit Airlines each the right to begin a new daily round trip to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. AirTran will serve either Jacksonville, FL or Milwaukee, WI, and Spirit will fly to Fort Lauderdale, FL.

DOT awarded the two carriers exemptions to the slot limits which govern takeoffs and landings at Reagan National and said the carriers must begin their new services by May 3.

“These new services will mean lower fares and more choices for thousands of passengers flying to Washington, DC,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Mary E. Peters.

In its decision, the Department said it selected the proposals of AirTran and Spirit over those of three other carriers because they would provide the greatest competitive benefits. Both carriers have a record of providing low-fare service and would offer more seats than competing carriers, the Department said.

In addition to AirTran and Spirit, the Department received applications from Comair for service to Birmingham, AL and Fort Walton Beach, FL; Midwest Airlines for service to Milwaukee and Kansas City, MO; and US Airways for service to Pensacola, FL.

The exemptions to the slot limitations at Reagan National were created by Congress to promote airline competition and enhance air service to the nation’s capital. One slot permits one daily takeoff or landing; thus, two slot exemptions are required for a single daily round trip. All exemptions have to be used only for service within the 1,250-mile perimeter that is imposed at Reagan National by statute. AirTran and Spirit each were awarded two exemptions.

The exemptions awarded to AirTran and Spirit were made available when ATA Airlines ceased service between Chicago-Midway and Reagan National on Nov 28, 2007. The carrier was operating four of the 44 Reagan National exemptions created by the Wendell H. Ford Aviation Investment and Reform Act for the 21st Century (AIR-21) and the Vision 100 – Century of Flight Aviation Authorization Act.

The Department awarded back-up authority to Midwest Airlines for service to either Milwaukee or Kansas City, MO in the event that either AirTran or Spirit fails to commence service on the routes they were awarded.

The Department’s decision, carrier applications and other documents regarding the proceeding may be obtained on the Internet at www.regulations.gov, docket number DOT-OST-2000-7182.