City leaders announce plans to bring nonstop flights, more airlines to Tulsa International Airport

TULSA - Tulsa city leaders unveiled a plan Wednesday morning to attract new airlines and routes to the city.

The overall goal is to make flying out of Tulsa International Airport more convenient.

Officials are calling the plan the "Regional Air Service Initiative," and they want to add more nonstop routes to cities across the country. 

Currently, Tulsa flyers can only travel directly to 15 U.S. cities. Part of the plan includes an online survey intended for businesses to voice opinions on what non-stop routes they would like to see added. 

TAKE THE ONLINE SURVEY (bit.ly/160vxUE)

Jerry Schuyler, president of Tulsa oil and gas company Laredo Petroleum, says it can take days for his employees, many of which frequently travel to Midland, Texas, to actually complete what they would normally do in a single day.

"With non-stop flights at the right time of day, you could actually fly people in and get a good six or eight hour work day," Schuler said. "It's a quality of life issue for our people."

Officials say they hope the added convenience of nonstop flights and additional airlines will result in increased business for the area. Tulsa Mayor Dewey Bartlett also wants to attract other airlines to Tulsa.

The survey is available online: www.TulsaAirports.com/travelsurvey.