WICHITA, Kan. Jan. 4, 2024 – In anticipation of the inaugural daily direct flight from Wichita, Kansas to Washington, D.C. on Jan. 8, the Wichita Airport Authority, the Greater Wichita Partnership and the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce are pleased to invite members of the media to participate in the first flight gate celebration.
Media covering the closed event, featuring U.S. Senator Jerry Moran and U.S. Congressman Ron Estes, must arrive no later than 1 p.m. Jan. 8 at the Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport.
“Airports are conduits for connecting people and opportunity and we’re excited to see this route put Wichita in a competitive position to enhance our economic possibilities,” said Director of Airports Jesse Romo. “ICT to DCA direct not only bridges the geographical gap but also facilitates seamless access to all our nation’s capital has to offer and we’re very grateful to American Airlines for providing this service.”
The inaugural flight from Eisenhower National Airport to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is scheduled to depart at 2:51 p.m. CDT. Senator Moran and Congressman Estes will be accompanied by a delegation of prominent Wichita business and community leaders commemorating the momentous initiative.
“The direct flight further connects the Wichita region to key opportunities on the East Coast, strengthening our community’s defense industry competitiveness, global connectivity and talent recruitment efforts,” said Greater Wichita Partnership President Jeff Fluhr. “Increasing our direct flights is a core strategy for economic growth, and this latest direct flight would not have been possible without U.S. Senator Jerry Moran’s unwavering support for the Wichita region. We look forward to celebrating this achievement with Senator Moran, Senator Marshall and Congressman Estes. Their continued dedication to Wichita will have a transformational impact on Wichita for decades to come.”
“This direct flight from the Air Capital to the nation’s capital saves valuable time for the business community and elected officials, allowing them to reach their destinations more efficiently and conduct their business without delays or layovers,” said John Rolfe, President and CEO of the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce. “When companies consider establishing a presence in a city, convenient air travel is a crucial factor. With more direct flights, Wichita becomes an attractive location for businesses looking to expand or relocate.”
A first flight celebration and reception will take place on the evening of Jan. 8 in Washington D.C. featuring Senator Jerry Moran, Senator Roger Marshall and Congressman Ron Estes.
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About the Wichita Airport Authority
The Wichita Airport Authority (WAA) is a governmental body created under Kansas state statutes to own and operate one or more airports. The Wichita City Council is self-appointed as the Wichita Airport Authority Board. Employees of the City of Wichita Airport Department operate, regulate, administer, and maintain the property and assets owned by the WAA. The Director of Airports, as the department head, reports to the City Manager and City of Wichita. A 13-member Wichita Airport Advisory Board (WAAB) is appointed by the city council and acts only in an advisory capacity to the Airport Authority Board, City Manager and Director of Airports. For more information, visit: Wichita Airport Authority – City of Wichita Department of Airports (flywichita.com).
About the Greater Wichita Partnership
The Greater Wichita Partnership is dedicated to fast-forwarding regional economic growth in Wichita and South-Central Kansas. The organization works within three key priorities – jobs, talent and quality of place – to accelerate this objective. For more information, visit https://greaterwichitapartnership.org/home.
About the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce
The Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce is the dedicated champion for more than 1,400 business members and their employees. The Chamber’s volunteer leadership and staff allocate the organization’s resources to advance a competitive business environment that gives members a distinct advantage in achieving business objectives. For more information, visit: The Chamber | Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce (wichitachamber.org).
