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[chittlins]

Elite, got the scheduled license back in Feb so they arwn't just charter service anymore and using a partnership with Great Lakes to gain access to United connections via Houston IAD and DEN. I priced a couple week long trips out of BKG to Los Angeles  and they are running about 600 to 700 more per trip for 4 than SGF and XNA.:

BRANSON, MISSOURI (May 11, 2016) –

Elite Airways will offer daily non-stop service from Branson to Denver (DEN) and Houston (IAH) with connections to over 100 markets nationwide. The Branson Airport, Elite Airways and Great Lakes Airlines have teamed up to launch this new program. Daily service starts July 15th. Customers can book non-stop flights between Branson and Denver or Houston at EliteAirways.com. The full range of flight options is also available on your favorite travel websites such as United.com, Expedia, Travelocity, or Orbitz.

"We are pleased to introduce scheduled service to Branson with connecting flights in Denver and Houston through the nationwide United Airlines system," stated John Pearsall, CEO of Elite Airways. "Our solid reputation as a top-tier service provider in the airline industry and collaboration with Branson Airport and Great Lakes Airlines helped to bring about this exciting opportunity."

"This new Elite Airways' service will deliver over 100 connections to major cities all over the country with multiple flight options, making it easier than ever for visitors to get to our exciting destination," stated Jeff Bourk-Executive Director of Branson Airport. "There is an adventure waiting for everyone in Branson. From outdoor fun to amazing live entertainment, there's no shortage of great things to do. Visit Top of the Rock, Silver Dollar City, Branson Landing or catch one of the many daily live performances in our theaters. In 2016, with all of the newly announced attractions such as Branson Ferris Wheel (relocated from Chicago's Navy Pier), Ballparks of America, Fritz's Adventure and Adventure Mountain Coaster, there are endless reasons to make the trip. Flights are available now at FlyBranson.com."
Elite Airways and Great Lakes Airlines have entered into a codeshare agreement permitting the use of interline e-ticket and baggage agreements with legacy airlines including United Airlines, American Airlines and Delta Airlines making the connections seamless for the customer. This arrangement will enable customers to purchase a single ticket from over 100 cities to Branson on United.com or on their favorite on-line travel website such as Expedia, Travelocity or Orbitz. For details visit FlyBranson.com.

Branson Airport previously announced seasonal service on Branson AirExpress to New Orleans, LA and Austin, TX. That service is available to book now and will fly from May 27 – August 14th.

About Branson Airport:
Opening its doors May of 2009, Branson Airport LLC is located in the heart of the Ozarks and centrally located in the Midwest. The airport also boasts a state of the art FBO, Branson JetCenter and a full service travel agency. For more information on Branson Airport LLC and any of its subsidiaries please visit FlyBranson.com.

About Elite Airways:
Elite Airways was founded in 2006 by airline veterans looking to provide a better travel experience for their passengers. Elite operates charter service for various professional and college athletic teams, celebrities, and corporate clients. On February 16, 2016, Elite was approved by the US DOT as a US Part 121 Air Carrier. Elite has a fleet of Bombardier 50-seat and 70-seat jet aircraft. Elite provides schedule airline service to markets throughout the United States.
About Great Lakes Airlines:
Incorporated in 1979, Great Lakes Airlines is a regional airline operating as an independent carrier and as a codeshare partner with United Airlines. Great Lakes Airlines also has electronic ticketing interline agreements with United, American Airlines and Delta Airlines. Through these relationships, customers are able to purchase connecting flights through the partner airlines, as well as share other benefits such as baggage transfer.

- See more at: http://www.explorebranson.com/news/new-nationwide-air-service-coming-branson#sthash.X6ZfOLWq.5kGZOZVI.dpuf

[chittlins]

Read an article about Spirit possibly ordering the new Bombardier C Series yesterday, basically a modern version of the Boeing 717 that AirTran liked. New Spirit CEO is the  former AirTran CEO and has stated that he is going into smaller markets. Second time this year he has mentioned that.  So, I'm predicting that you will see an announcement that  BKG will get Spirit flights announcement within a year. As an NWA resident, I'd hope for XNA over BKG but this guy had grown AirTran's ops up to over 100,000 enplanements at BKG in the middle of the recession before Southwest bought them and dumped all the small market 717s.