Aruba Airport Authority welcomes Southwest Airlines
on their inaugural flight to Aruba
With 15 weekly flights from 3 destinations
Oranjestad, Aruba - July 1, 2014: The company Southwest Airlines launched regular flights to the
International Airport Reina Beatrix Aruba, departing from American cities, Baltimore, Atlanta and
Orlando. "With the onset of Southwest Airlines we foresee an increase of over 40% on flights that were
carried before by Air Tran," proclaims Peter Steinmetz, CEO of Aruba Airport Authority at the arrival of
the inaugural flight on Tuesday afternoon .
With the arrival of the first flight of Southwest Airlines it emphasizes a tour of a very long road of
negotiations and preparations on behalf of Aruba Airport Authority, where we follow closely the merger
between Southwest and Air Tran. Since the merger of the two companies, it became obvious that
Southwest Airlines would take the international flights over of Air Tran.
"We saw this as a great opportunity and took the reins in our hands to propose flights to Aruba. Not only
have we managed to keep these flights, but increased the flights as well, with more connection options
that attracts more passengers to other destinations, "emphasizes Peter Steinmetz
I am convinced that Southwest Airlines certainly will attract more tourists to our island and also give the
local community or passengers departing from Aruba more options to make connections. We cannot
rule out the fact that Southwest Airlines is the largest domestic airline in the United States, with many
daily flights to different destinations.
Since the merger of Southwest Airlines and Air Tran, the two airlines have expanded their horizon
together with more than 100 million passengers. Southwest Airlines grew profitably for four decades.
They carry more passengers each day than any other U.S. airline. And now they began with their next
chapter; Bags Fly for Free and No Ticket Fees change, characteristic points of the airline.
Customers on the carrier’s inaugural international flights from Baltimore / Washington, Atlanta and
Orlando celebrated alongside employees, with commemorative beach balls, snorkels and masks.
Passengers arriving in to Aruba, received commemorative Frisbees and flip flops as token of
appreciation from Aruba Airport Authority and the Aruba Tourism Authority.
A Local and original celebration took place at Queen Beatrix Airport were words of Bon Bini and a nice
welcome speech was given by the CEO of Aruba Airport Authority, Peter Steinmetz. "We are convinced
that Southwest Airlines will give us a better entry into the," Midwest " region”.
"We wish Southwest Airlines much success with the flights to Aruba. We are really convinced that
demand will continue to grow and that we can soon be partying again celebrating the additional flights
to our island. "Peter Steinmetz completes his speech to the guests present at the conclusion of the first
international flight from Southwest Airlines, and precisely in Aruba!