AirTran to add nonstop flights from B-N to Ft. Myers

AirTran Airways will start direct service from Bloomington to Ft. Myers on March 9, officials at the Central Illinois Regional Airport said Wednesday.

The service will be presented four times weekly: on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.

"We are eager to have this new chance to partner with AirTran at the Central Illinois Regional Airport," said Paul Harmon, chairman of the Bloomington-Normal Airport Authority board. "Ft. Myers is a main destination from our airport and a nonstop flight will fulfill the needs we have heard from the community."

The nonstop flights will be on AirTran's Boeing 717 aircraft with 117 seats, free XM satellite radio, Gogo Inflight Internet and business class seating existing on board.