Casinos will continue to subsidize AirTran flights

Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2001 | 11:15 a.m.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

GULFPORT, Miss. -- Casino companies Beau Rivage and Grand Casinos have reached an agreement to continue subsidizing AirTran Airways jet service at Gulfport-Biloxi Regional Airport.

Beau Rivage is owned by MGM MIRAGE of Las Vegas, Grand is owned by Park Place Entertainment Corp. of Las Vegas.

The joint marketing agreement, signed Monday, creates a 50-50 partnership between the casinos and could lead to flights to additional markets.

Without an agreement by the end of January, AirTran would have dropped some flights, leading to higher fares and a steep drop in passengers at the airport.

"This solidifies the relationship between Beau Rivage and Grand Casinos, which is essential to continuing a profitable and growing business on AirTran's part," said Bruce Frallic, the airport's executive director.

Beau Rivage has subsidized AirTran flights to the coast since the resort opened in March 1999.

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