Seabury APG Client Branson Opens as First Privately Developed Airport in the United States

BRANSON, MO - May 11, 2009 - The Branson Airport, the first privately developed and operated commercial service airport in the U.S., officially began operations today by welcoming its first commercial flight. Sun Country Airlines flight SY509, with passengers from Minneapolis/St. Paul, touched down at 9:00 a.m.

To mark the occasion, arriving passengers were presented with gift bags from the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber/CVB. In addition, a ribbon cutting ceremony was held at the gate area of the new Branson Airport terminal. Those taking part in the ceremony were Branson Airport executives, Sun Country Airlines officials and Branson area dignitaries. "It's an honor to be the first airline to land a plane at this beautiful new facility," said Stan Gadek, Chairman and CEO of Sun County Airlines. "With the addition of this new market, customers in the Twin Cities and Branson will now enjoy low fares and the award-winning customer service we are known for." Sun Country Airlines is offering an introductory fare between Branson and Dallas of $29 each way. The offer is good through Wednesday, May 13.

"The arrival of this flight marks a new beginning for air travel in the Ozarks," said Steve Peet, CEO, Branson Airport. "The vision we've had for so many years of providing low-cost air travel to and from Branson, is today a reality." Sun County will offer nonstop flights to and from Minneapolis/St. Paul and Dallas/Ft. Worth on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.

The second commercial flight to touch down on the airport's 7,140-foot runway was AirTran Airways flight 1582 from Milwaukee, which landed at 11:55 a.m. An official welcoming ceremony was held for this flight as well. AirTran Airways will be providing daily nonstop flights to and from Atlanta and Milwaukee. "We look forward to showing the wonderful people of the Ozarks why AirTran Airways was ranked number one in the 2008 Airline Quality Rating study," said John Kirby, Senior Director of Strategic Planning, AirTran Airways.

Today's activities wrapped a three-day grand opening extravaganza for the Branson Airport, which included the first ever Branson Air Show. More than 50,000 people attended the weekend show which featured an impressive list of America's top air show performers, including the USAF Thunderbirds, US Army Golden Knights, Aeroshell Aerobatic Team, Patty Wagstaff, Manfred Radius, and many more.

Construction on the airport, which includes an access road and two bridges built over gorges, began in July 2007. 11 million cubic yards of rock and dirt were moved in order to construct the terminal and runway. The Branson Airport's 7,140-foot runway, built on top of a mountain, is designed for midsized commercial type aircraft such as the Boeing 737 and 757, but can handle planes as large as the 767. This will enable the airport to receive non-stop air service from anywhere in the continental United States.

The 58,000 square-foot terminal facility offers all the amenities of a full-service airport, with one critical difference. The Branson Airport is the first airport in the country to put customer service first, by providing "concierge-level" service to all departing and arriving travelers. The airport employs 50 people, all of whom work for the airport, not the airlines. Services include a welcome center, screening checkpoint, baggage claim area, full-service kiosks, curbside service, concessions, gift and news shop and full service restaurant. All the check-in counters, and the airport's 4 gates, are designed for "common use"meaning they can be used for any airline serving the Branson Airport. Enterprise Rent-A-Car is providing rental car service at the airport. Gray Line is providing ground transportation services.

For more information about the Branson Airport including flights and schedules, visit www.flybranson.com.

About Branson Airport.Branson Airport is the first privately developed and operated commercial service airport in the United States and is located in Branson, Missouri. The $155 million project introduces an innovative business model that has the potential to redefine air travel in the United States by focusing on creating a more pleasant travel experience for customers. The Branson Airport is expected to significantly increase the number of new visitors from around the U.S. who will be able to enjoy the wonderful Branson experience. For more information on Branson Airport LLC, go to www.flybranson.com.

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