Southwest Airlines to launch new route between Ontario Int'l and Reno-Tahoe Airport
Southwest Airlines will launch a new route between Ontario International Airport and Reno-Tahoe Airport starting Jan. 6 for three winter months, according to a statement from airport officials.
Jess Romo, the airport's manager, said it had been between two or three years since Southwest offered daily nonstop flights linking the two airports. This time, though, it will last only a few months.
Romo said he hopes to see strong bookings for the flights so Southwest will be encouraged to keep the route beyond the popular winter sports season.
One-way fares appear to start at $100, according to Southwest's website. The flight is scheduled to leave Ontario at 8 a.m. and arrive at Reno-Tahoe Airport at 9:20 a.m.
A spokeswoman with Southwest Airlines did not immediately return a call seeking comment.
Romo said airport officials met with Southwest last month at an airline conference to discuss its existing routes and reviving others, but the talk never focused on Reno specifically.
"This one's a surprise, but definitely a pleasant surprise," Romo said.
Traffic at Ontario airport has dropped 37 percent since 2007. In that time, Jet Blue and ExpressJet stopped flying at the airport and remaining airlines cut back flights.
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