About Capital Region International Airport

For immediate release: December 10, 2010
For more information contact: Robert Selig (517) 282-3506 or Robert Kolt (517) 881-4446

(Lansing, MI)  The Capital Region Airport Authority today celebrated the announcement from U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow's office that the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) will award new air service slots to Sun Country Airlines for flights from the Capital Region International Airport to Ronald Reagan Washington D.C. National (DCA) airport.

"This is really great news for all Michigan air travelers," said Robert Selig, Executive Director of the Capital Region Airport Authority.  "Sun Country was successful in applying for the limited slots available to Washington, and people from throughout our region rallied to support the service.  This new non-stop daily service to Reagan National airport - close to downtown Washington D.C. - will be the only big-jet passenger service available in Michigan outside of Detroit non-stop to Washington, and Senator Stabenow deserves credit for working hard to help Lansing's airport get the flights our regional community really supports."

The Mid-Michigan Business Travel Coalition was instrumental in leading a community campaign in support of the Sun Country effort.  The Travel Coalition, which consists of 200 business, educational and government organizations spearheaded a campaign in which regional organizations sent letters supporting Sun Country's bid to USDOT Secretary Raymond LaHood.

"The business community through the Mid-Michigan Business Travel Coalition stepped forward and made a big difference in rallying support to let USDOT know this region needs and will support the Washington DC service," Selig added. 

Sun Country's proposal calls for Monday through Friday air service from Lansing to Washington.  The Sun Country application said the air service will lower Lansing to Washington DC fares an average of 21%, and result in an annual fare reduction in the community of more than $1 million.  Sun Country will also provide service from Lansing to Minneapolis, which the airline predicted will reduce fares an average of 34%. 

Sun Country will also begin offering non-stop flights from the Capital Region International Airport (LAN) to Cancun Mexico, and new scheduled air service to Jamaica, Las Vegas, Orlando and Fort Myers beginning December 22, 2010.  All of the new Sun Country service will be provided on 737 jets that seat 162 passengers.