DFW International Airport's Countdown to Open Skies "Super Sunday" Enters Final Week

(DFW INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, TX – March 24, 2008) The Countdown Clock at www.dfwairport.com/openskies ticks down the final days to DFW's "Super Sunday" this week, celebrating the new Open Skies Agreement, as well as inaugural flights to London Heathrow and Amsterdam Schiphol Airports. DFW has hailed 2008 as the "Year of the International Traveler" and will celebrate March 30 as the largest singleday expansion of international air service since the Airport opened in 1974. 

First-flight arriving and departing passengers on American Airlines, British Airways and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines will be feted with an international celebration of food and entertainment to mark the milestone day. Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert and Fort Worth Mayor Mike Moncrief will also greet passengers as International Terminal D adds two global destinations to its growing portfolio. 

“Open Skies is a terrific step forward in international aviation competition that will benefit DFW passengers for decades to come,” said Jeff Fegan, CEO for DFW. “The global changes that take affect this Sunday will enable business and vacation travelers to choose new non-stop service to London Heathrow and Amsterdam Schiphol and seamless connections to more than 200 additional locations across Europe, Africa and India.” 

So let the celebration begin: each arriving inaugural flight will receive a "Shower of Affection" from DFW's Fire Department as it taxis to the gate. KLM travelers will enjoy authentic Dutch klompendansers, Dutch coffee, chocolates and a giant windmill cake. Bagpipers will entertain Heathrow passengers on both American Airlines and British Airways as English teas and snacks are served. DFW will roll out its Texas hospitality and distribute commemorative cowboy hats with customized airline and DFW logos to all Heathrow and Amsterdam passengers. Departing first flights will be sent off by impersonators of Queen Elizabeth II, Royal Guardsmen, Dutch maids, as well as a Beatles cover band. 

"Two new hot destinations and a brand new international airline begin service at DFW, all in one day. It doesn’t get much better than that," said Joe Lopano, executive vice president of marketing and terminal management at DFW. "KLM is making an incredible new commitment to North Texas travelers and an investment in the North Texas economy, and British Airways and American Airlines bring great service and new competition to DFW. These airlines appreciate the advantages of international service at DFW and we are proud to partner with them." 

The United States - European Union Open Skies agreement was signed last year, and the first flights around the world begin March 29-30. DFW was the first airport in the world to win new service under Open Skies: British Airways to London Heathrow Airport. Since the historic agreement was signed, American Airlines announced two additional daily flights to London Heathrow and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines begins daily service to Amsterdam. 

Just five days remain until DFW’s Countdown Clock ticks down to “Super Sunday” at www.dfwairport.com/openskies. The Airport’s Open Skies Web site seeks to educate and inform the traveling public of the benefits of the Open Skies Agreement and has been updated throughout the month. The Web site offers podcasts giving travelers tips on Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, London Heathrow and DFW, as well as testimonials from prominent area leaders. Users can also view DFW’s official Open Skies Countdown Clock, which began running March 3 and will spin down the seconds until the March 30 celebration event. 

For J.D. Power and Associates Award information, visit www.jdpower.com.