It's official - Southwest Airlines coming to Branson in 2013

BRANSON, Mo -- An exciting announcement for the Branson Airport Tuesday, as Southwest Airlines and its subsidiary AirTran Airways confirmed the airline will officially arrive in the Ozarks in in 2013.

A transition from AirTran Airways to Southwest Airlines will most likely happen in the first half of 2013. Fares and flights will be announced at a later date.

According to a press release, "We are thrilled with the news that we will have Southwest Airlines' red-bellied aircraft touching down in Branson," said Jeff Bourk, Executive Director of the Branson Airport. "Southwest Airlines presence in this region will do enormous things for the economic development of the entire Southwest Missouri and Northwest Arkansas area."

"We're looking forward to extending the Southwest Airlines route map to Branson next year," said Pete Houghton, Southwest Airlines Senior Director of Airport Affairs. "We look forward to announcing further details soon."