New flight coming to Myrtle Beach

New flight coming to Myrtle Beach (Added: January 27, 2010)

The tourism and golf community hopes a new flight into Myrtle Beach will boost the local economy. (more)

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By: Michelle Carolla | SCNOW
Published: January 27, 2010

The tourism and golf community hopes a new flight into Myrtle Beach will boost the local economy. American Eagle airlines will start operating a new flight this spring. Whether it's the golf industry or local businesses, the Grand Strand economy is looking for a kick start to the new upcoming tourist season.
The new American Eagle flight is a non-stop flight from Dallas/Fort Worth, an area rich in golfers.
"It's a very large metropolitan market, obviously, and it's one we don't currently have non-stop service from,” said Bill Golden, President, Myrtle Beach Golf Holiday. “It's the 13th largest gold market. Generally, that part of the country doesn't travel east for their golf and beach vacations, now they'll have the opportunity to do so."
The 44 seat flight starts April 6 and runs through October 31st. The flight opens up the midwest and western areas of the country and millions of potential travelers.
“From the golf perspective, we know we need better non-stop service from more markets,” said Golden. “It's really a question of identifying the major markets that we don't have effective air service and targeting those markets because we know that's how we're going to grow."
Golden said if the Dallas/Fort Worth flight is a success, American Eagle airlines and it's parent company, American Airlines will take notice and hopefully expand the Myrtle Beach leg to other markets.
Spirit Airlines recently added flights to their schedule. The airport is also undergoing several major capital projects, including the Harrelson Boulevard expansion and the upcoming terminal capacity enhancement project.