Low Cost Carriers Out Of Portland Impact Air Fares

PORTLAND (NEWS CENTER/AP) -- A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at the Portland International Jetport Thursday to mark the start of service from the second of two new low-cost carriers at the facility. The impact of AirTran Airways is already having a big impact on air fares.

Governor Baldacci was on hand to help AirTran kick off its service out of the Jetport. The Atlanta based discount airline is offering three daily flights to Baltimore, and one Saturday non-stop flight to Orlando.

Months ago, Continental Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Northwest and U.S. Airways began lowering prices to compete with AirTran.

Tom Parsons of Bestfares.com says travelers in the region should be "very happy" with the lower fares resulting from AirTran, as well as JetBlue.

By Jennifer McCausland
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