AirTran launches BWI-to-Maine service

If there wasn't already a traditional U.S. custom for the launch of a new direct airline flight, maybe there is now: the crustacean swap.

AirTran Airways and officials from Maryland and Maine marked the first run of a nonstop flight between Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport and Portland, Maine, with a ceremonial crab-lobster trade Thursday.

A group of Marylanders, including BWI Airport Deputy Director Jim Walsh, and a box of Chesapeake Bay crabs were passengers on the inaugural flight, AirTran said in a news release. The contingent presented the Old Line State delicacy to Maine Gov. John Baldacci and then returned with some Maine lobsters.

AirTran will offer three daily round-trip nonstop flights between BWI and Portland International Jetport. One-way tickets will sell for about $74 two weeks in advance and $179 for walk-up tickets. A one-way business class ticket will go for about $249, according to the release.

AirTran is the second-largest carrier at BWI behind Southwest Airlines. The airline's hub is at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

By the Baltimore Business Journal
Via: Yahoo! Finance