Added DC service launched as Southwest celebrates 20 years at Green

Posted 11/10/16

Southwest Airlines, the largest carrier at Green Airport (PVD), celebrated its 20th anniversary serving Rhode Island this month as it launched new nonstop service to Reagan National Airport on Nov. 6. Southwest, which selected PVD as its entr e into New

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Added DC service launched as Southwest celebrates 20 years at Green

Posted

Southwest Airlines, the largest carrier at Green Airport (PVD), celebrated its 20th anniversary serving Rhode Island this month as it launched new nonstop service to Reagan National Airport on Nov. 6.

Southwest, which selected PVD as its entrée into New England in 1996, forever changed the dynamics of air service in Rhode Island and the region. The “Southwest effect” spurred incredible growth and competition in a short period of time and put Green Airport on the map. Customers would drive from as far away as New York to fly on the new carrier at the time.

Iftikhar Ahmad, president and CEO of the Rhode Island Airport Corporation (RIAC) said, “We extend our congratulations to Southwest on the 20th anniversary of uninterrupted service at Green Airport.”

In reflecting on this 20-year partnership, Governor Gina Raimondo, said, “On behalf of the state of Rhode Island, I want to congratulate Southwest Airlines on this anniversary and thank the airline for its investment in our state. Cumulatively, they have flown millions of visitors to Rhode Island and have had a substantial role in job creation over these two decades.”

Southwest started service with only one available gate in 1996 when the new terminal opened, but due to the overwhelming customer response, they quickly required more space. Within six months, a four-gate expansion was planned for the north concourse. It was a phenomenal time for the airport and the airline. Over the years the airline would grow from 14 to over 36 daily departures. Although the carrier has since spread its service among other airports in the region, it still carries the most passengers at Green.

Jonathan Savage, RIAC board chair, said, “On behalf of our board, I thank Southwest for its longstanding commitment to Green Airport. We truly value their service and hope to see continued growth in the coming years”.

“Twenty years ago, Southwest’s entry into T.F. Green created a linchpin in our service by anchoring our initial growth into the Northeast,” said Adam Decaire, managing director, Network Planning.

“And two decades later our local and inbound Customers continue to experience the same world famous value and service that Southwest consistently brings with no change fees and up to two bags that fly free.”

Green (PVD), located eight miles south of Providence in Warwick, is the third largest airport in New England, with a catchment area that attracts passengers from nearby Massachusetts and southeastern Connecticut. Almost two-thirds (64%) of New England’s population lives within 75 miles of Green, and 25% of the US population lives within 500 miles of PVD.

American currently offers seven roundtrips a day between PVD and DCA. With the Southwest service, Green now has a total of nine roundtrips per day.

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