Beginning December 1, passengers will have access to nonstop direct flights to Atlanta from Jackson’s McKellar-Sipes Regional Airport (MKL) thanks to the newest Essential Air Service provider, Denver Air Connection (DAC).
The Colorado-based airline will offer 12 nonstop round-trip flights weekly to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, according to a press release from the Greater Jackson Chamber announcing the expansion of flight service on Friday.
Currently preparing for its 2025 opening, Ford’s Blue Oval City is located about 40 miles west of Jackson, and the company continues to prepare for the expected growth that will come with its neighbors at the Blue Oval down the road.
“Providing increased capacity jet service at MKL will take air travel in West Tennessee to the next level. A complete renovation of our main runway is underway, and we plan to make further improvements and upgrades to our facilities to accommodate the coming economic growth in the region,” said Rusty Reviere, chairman of the airport authority.
MKL offers daily regional air service through Southern Airways Express. In preparation for further growth, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security checks at MKL resumed in September 2022 after a 15-year hiatus.
More: TSA’s return to McKellar-Sipes Airport puts Jackson on the growth map
More: Preliminary investigation report reveals new details about Martin plane crash in West Tennessee.
What you should know about Denver Air
DAC, which operates under the parent company Key Lime Air Corporation, has had a 98.5% reliability record in operating flights since its inception in 1997. This is due in part to the support of Part 145 Air Station, a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-approved maintenance and inspection facility.
The fleet in Jackson promises comfortable and efficient travel and includes a 30-seat Dornier jet and a 50-seat Embraer EMB-145 jet.
Currently, DAC offers service to 16 destinations in nine states and has interline agreements with major airlines such as American, Delta and United. The agreements with major airlines allow customers to simplify ticket purchases and baggage checks/transfers.
In addition to safety and reliability, DAC flights also offer passengers large, high-quality snacks.
Through the partnership with Global Distribution Systems (GDS), tickets for DAC can be purchased through several online travel agencies, including Expedia, Cheap-O-Air and Travelocity.
“We are thrilled to usher in a new era of commercial air travel with Jackson. We firmly believe that our partnership will be a great asset to the region. In the coming days, the airport and DAC will announce flight schedules and begin making tickets available from all sources,” said Jon Coleman, Senior Vice President of Corporate Strategy at DAC.
Sarah Best is a reporter for The Jackson Sun. To support local journalism, subscribe to the Daily Briefing Here.
