Meridian lands new jet service

By By Fredie Carmichael / staff writer
Feb. 27, 2003
For the first time in Meridian, customers at Meridian Regional Airport will be able to enjoy nonstop regional jet service between Meridian and Atlanta.
Delta Connection, a carrier of Atlantic Southeast Airlines, was expected to make the announcement today at a news conference at the airport. The new flight service will officially begin May 4.
The new flights will replace the current 30-passenger Ebraer Brasilia turboprop aircraft in Meridian.
Today's announcement comes less than a month after Meridian Regional Airport President Tom Williams was named 2002 Commercial Service Airport Manager of the Year for the Southeastern region by the FAA.
Williams said he and other economic developers have been working for years to get a jet service to Meridian.
The new flight service will increase the number of seats available each way between Meridian and Atlanta by 25 percent.
The new jets also will offer customers more comfort and speed, carrying passengers in a two-by-two seating arrangement at speeds of up to 530 mph. The jets are also recognized as the quietest commercial aircraft in the world.
Williams said the Meridian Regional Airport and East Mississippi Business Development Corp. offered Delta a few incentives to lure the new jet service to Meridian.