DES MOINES, Iowa --
New Des Moines to Branson, Mo., nonstop flights were announced Tuesday.
The Branson AirExpress flights will be operated by ExpressJet Airlines and is expected to start on May 17.
The service is between Branson and Austin, Des Moines, Houston, Shreveport and Terre Haute. Other locations are expected to be announced in the near future.
Branson AirExpress will offer nonstop service five days a week between Branson and Des Moines International Airport.
Officials said that in addition to offering this new nonstop service, passengers may combine flight segments to create connections from each of the partner airports to the other partner airports.
Officials said to kick off the new flights they will offer low introductory fares for nonstop service to Branson for $39. Branson Air Express will also fly from Des Moines to Austin and Houston for $99 each way.
Tickets may be purchased starting Wednesday for flights starting in May by calling toll free 1-888-FLY-BKG1 (1-888-359-2541), by visiting BransonAirExpress.com, or at the airports in Branson or Des Moines.
Branson is known for its live entertainment in 50 theatres, several lakes, theme parks and go-carts. Until a year ago, it did not have an airport and Iowans had to drive 8 hours to get there.
The Branson Convention Bureau estimates 1,200 people from Des Moines head there each week when the weather is nice.
Prairie Meadows is also partnering with the airline to market central Iowa.
Copyright 2010 by KCCI.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
