The Charleston Regional Business Journal reported today:
"AirTran leaving Charleston in early December
Charleston's only low-cost carrier will end service in early December. An AirTran spokesman said the airline did not have enough business travelers in Charleston to sustain its operations here. With the departure, officials expect an increase in fares among other airlines serving Charleston."
This is not good news for Charleston, I hope that they reverse their decision - we are waiting for two big announcements regarding new companies coming to the Charleston area. Although authorities have been tight-lipped, one of these is supposed to be a Chinese tire manufacturer coming to set up shop at Ross Perot Jr's industrial park in Jedburg. The other one is Boeing, which presumably is looking to build a second assembly plant for its 787 Jetliner in North Charleston.
If either of these come to fruition, I bet business activity will improve, and AirTran may decide to stay (or another low-cost carrier may take its place)...my fingers are crossed!
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