Southwest Airlines Takes Flight in Charleston, South Carolina

Southwest Airline took flight on its inaugural flight Sunday from Charleston International Airport.  On Monday, Southwest Airlines’ CEO, Gary C. Kelly, reaffirmed the company’s long term commitment to Charleston, SC on his first visit to the Charleston area to greet employees and meet with elected officials.

Kelly said since announcing the airlines’ decision last year to expand into South Carolina, the cooperation and local reception from Charleston has been ‘phenomenal.’  Southwest had been reviewing and considering the Charleston, SC market for years and Kelly said they were particularly impressed by the ‘perfect mix’ of leisure and business travelers in the area.

He continued to say the company will consider more services after studying passenger response over the next year.

Southwest will offer seven daily flights on 737 jets to and from Baltimore, Chicago, Houston and Nashville.  Travelers will be able to connect to 62 other destinations from these cities, offering them a variety of travel options.

During her introduction of Mr. Kelly, Governor Nikki Haley said Southwest will help keep more spending dollars within the state by offering air travelers a low-cost alternative.