United adds new flight path at SGF

Chicago-based United Continental Holdings Inc. (NYSE: UAL) today announced the addition of service between Springfield-Branson National Airport and George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, Texas.

The nonstop service at the local airport, aka SGF service code, starts June 8, according to a news release.

SGF’s 13th nonstop destination, Houston opens up Springfield fliers to more than 175 destinations around the world, including in the Caribbean and Latin America.

“Today’s announcement is about economic opportunity,” said Matt Morrow, president of the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, in the release. “This additional service allows businesses across our region better, quicker access to the world and allows outside investors to easily reach Springfield and help grow our economy.”

United’s announcement for Springfield came alongside 30 other new destinations the carrier added in the United States and Europe.

The addition of to Houston will add 36,000 seats to SGF’s portfolio. In 2016, available airline seats at SGF rose 12 percent to 594,034. The airport last year set a second consecutive record of passengers at 952,703.

In January, Las Vegas-based Allegiant Travel Co. (Nasdaq: ALGT) announced seasonal nonstop service starting May 25 to the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport in Florida. SGF also has flights operated by American Airlines Group Inc. (Nasdaq: AAL) and Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL).

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