Brief: AirTran in deal for casino flights

Slated to start March 15, the day before the $675 million resort opens to the public, the new non-stop AirTran flights will serve Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Nashville, Ft. Lauderdale, Tampa and Atlanta.

The new flights will increase air service to the Gulfport/Biloxi Regional Airport from 42 to 58 flights daily. Incoming seat availability will increase from 1,224 now to 2,050 per day.

"Within approximately a one hour flight, travelers from major metropolitan cities can experience one of the hottest emerging destinations in the country," said Barry Shier, chairman and chief executive of the 1,780-room Beau Rivage.

AirTran currently operates a fleet of 50 jets. It is the launch airline for Boeing's new line of 717-200 jets, with a firm order for 50 planes and an option for an additional 50.

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