GSP In Talks With Southwest, Other Airlines

Greenville, S.C. - WYFF 4.com

Greenville Spartanburg International Airport is still in serious negotiations with Southwest Airlines, despite the company’s decision to start service in Panama City, Fla., according to airport spokeswoman Rosilyn Weston.

“It was never an either or," said Weston.

The number of travelers is down for the second year in a row at GSP, while the price of flights continued to climb. GSP was recently named by the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics as one of the most expensive airports in the country. The allure of a prominent, low-cost carrier has never been more appealing according to travelers.

“I hear Southwest, I think cost savings, said Amy Sutter.

“The good news is those talks continue. The door is not closed,” said Weston.

The show-me-the-money approach sealed the deal in Florida. In a partnership that Southwest chief executive Gary Kelly called the first of its kind, St. Joe Co. will subsidize at least the first two years of Southwest's service from Northwest Florida Panama City Airport.

The private real estate developer, St. Joe, will guarantee that Southwest at least breaks even on the Panama City service, but it can terminate the agreement if its payments to Southwest exceed $14 million in the first year or $12 million in the second year. Southwest can end the service if it proves to be a huge flop, Kelly said.

GSP isn’t naming any high rollers willing to offer incentives to land Southwest but it isn’t ruling out the possibility.

“We’re taking it one step at a time. We may come to a similar arrangement like in Florida, but we’re not at that point yet,” said Weston.

She also confirmed the airport has started a dialogue with JetBlue, AirTran, and Frontier Airlines.

“We haven’t put all our eggs in one basket,” said Weston.

Most Popular Stories at WYFF 4

• Badly Burned Body Found In SC State Park
• John Ludwig Pleads Guilty, Gets No Jail Time
• Wreck Shuts Down Highway 25 South Of Hendersonville
• Exclusive: Upstate Company Lands Contract For Boeing Plant
• Police: Man Dies In Crash After Stabbing Son

MORE FROM WYFF4.COM

WYFF4.com Section Front

Retailers Dream Of Green Christmas Children’s Book Teaches Conservatism Witness Shot While Trying To Report Wreck Giant Stator Moves Again Monday Night Wreck Kills Upstate College Student WYFF4.com Section Front   Add WYFF4.com headlines to your news reader: