Tester Helps Secure New Non-Stop Flight from Billings to Dallas

(U.S. Senate)-Senator Jon Tester has helped connect another Montana airport with a non-stop flight to the Lone Star State.

Beginning on June 2, American Airlines will administer a bi-weekly non-stop flight between Billings Logan International Airport and Dallas/Ft. Worth International Airport. Tester helped secure the $750,000 Small Community Air Service Development Program grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to bring the new non-stop flight to Billings.

“Bringing another non-stop flight to Billings will create jobs, increase tourism, and help attract exciting new businesses to Yellowstone County,” Tester said. “American Airlines’ decision to bring more flights to Montana is a testament to the success of our local economy, and I will continue to fight for more resources to expand air service in Montana and get more flights off of the ground.”

“The recently announced new year-round, daily service to Dallas Fort Worth, Texas area on American Airlines is a great opportunity for the Billings and surrounding area to expand both its business and leisure travel, especially to the South East, Caribbean, and Latin America,” said Kevin Ploehn, Director of Aviation and Transit for the City of Billings. “The fact that Billings was able to utilize a Federal Department of Transportation Small Community Air Service Development Program grant to help secure this new service was huge and we appreciate the support provided by Senator Tester during the application, appropriations and award of the grant.”

“Dallas is one of the top visited destinations for Billings residents that did not have a direct connection-until now,” said John Brewer, President and CEO of the Billings Chamber of Commerce. “This service allows residents and the business community to connect with the southeast United States in an efficient manner and provides them the ability to travel to over 40 new cities in the southeast with just one stop. We are a mobile society. Having good air service to new destinations improves residential quality of life, encourages young families and workforce talent to move here and aides in the recruitment of business. The business community thanks Senator Tester for his support on securing American.”

Tester in 2015 secured non-stop air service between Great Falls International Airport and Chicago O’Hare International Airport.

Dallas/Ft. Worth International Airport is the fourth busiest airport in the United States.