Flight to Austin is good news for Midlanders

Nonetheless, it was a pleasure to be able to announce to our readers that Southwest will be adding a direct flight to Austin in March. In the transportation game, more direct flights to more cities are important. When you fly to Denver or Las Vegas or Dallas or Houston – like Southwest does from Midland – it’s often to catch a flight to another part of the country. It was interesting to hear that Southwest – by adding more direct flights from Austin – was setting up the Austin Bergstrom International Airport to become a regional hub.

Southwest announced this week that it is planning 20 new flights per day. These locations include Midland, Amarillo, Charleston, South Carolina; Columbus, Ohio; Ontario, California; Puerto Vallarta, Mexico; Panama City, Florida; Sarasota / Bradenton, Florida; and Destin / Fort Walton Beach, Florida.

Air travel is as much about quality of life as anything else. Having direct access makes life easier and theft more tolerable. When Southwest abandoned direct flight in 2009, it meant that traveling to Austin required a person to travel to Dallas or Houston first. This will no longer be the case.

Also, it seems appropriate that the southwest makes a direct flight to Austin possible. I am a boy from Texas. I grew up taking a flight from southwest Dallas to Midland once or twice a year to visit my family. The Southwest has offered Texans convenience and often transportation options that other airlines can’t match. Very quickly, what is the difference between Midland, Abilene and San Angelo? Southwest made Midland its seventh city in the airline system in 1977. It was a shock to the quality of life and business for our city. Just ask your friends in these cities or in Wichita Falls or Bryan-College station.

“It is extremely exciting to see non-stop flights to Austin returning to Midland International Air & Space Port,” said the president of Midland Development Corp. Sara Harris. “Air transport offers vital economic benefits and is an essential part of the economic stability of our city. It improves the quality of life and contributes to sustainable development by facilitating travel and trade. Businesses interested in expanding or relocating to Midland first inquire about available commercial air service and direct destinations from Midland. An additional direct flight to and from Midland is a testament to the confidence in our region. Midland Development Corp. thanks Southwest Airlines, MOTRAN and all partners involved in re-establishing the Midland-Austin route.

Midland Mayor Patrick Payton added: “As Midland and the Permian Basin continue to dominate the world as the world’s safest oil and gas producing region, it is great news to see Southwest begin. to expand its offerings. We are grateful to everyone who worked on these improvements, as we know that abundant and reliable air travel is essential to our continued growth. “

So yes, that’s good news. Even if you never fly to Austin – like Las Vegas or Denver before – you have the opportunity, and the opportunity is paramount. Thanks to James Beauchamp of the Midland-Odessa Transportation Alliance, State Representatives Tom and Nadine Craddick and Ray and Lorraine Perryman for their work over the years which will make it easier for those traveling to University of the Texas, others testifying before the Texas Legislature. and even a few people who want to get a little weird in Travis County People’s Republic.