United flights begin at Atlantic City International Airport (KACY)

NBC40.net

EGG HARBOR TWP. -     South Jersey has been given a new set of wings, as United Airlines launches nonstop flights between Atlantic City International Airport, Chicago and Houston.

Mayor Don Guardian addressed a large crowd Tuesday morning and said, "It's an exciting day as Atlantic City becomes part of the friendly skies of United Airlines!"

Flight 4161 was welcomed into ACY with celebratory water cannons, as the first United Airlines flight from Chicago's O'Hare International Airport set down in South Jersey.

New Jersey Senate President, Steve Sweeney, told NBC40, "We needed to be able to get people from all over the place here."

And with this new service, officials say more people throughout the US will have easier access to Atlantic City.

Anita and Kenyetta Green were one of the firsts to arrive on the new flight, and believe many more will follow their lead. Anita Green said, "We plan on hitting the casinos, entertainment, the boardwalk, and just taking a tour of Atlantic City itself. I’m just happy to be here!"

Officials say United's new service will not only be convenient for customers, but it will drive business, tourism, and economic development to the region.

Atlantic City Mayor, Don Guardian, said, "I think this is a new beginning for Atlantic City. It’s a great way to travel to major hubs that connect you with the rest of the world – now directly from Atlantic City on a daily basis."

Although there has been no formal announcement just yet, Mayor Guardian told NBC40 that within a month there could be another major expansion, adding flights from additional cities into ACY.

Other officials say the sky is the limit for the airport and the region.

Senator Sweeney said, "We expect this to grow and grow and grow. You start someplace, you start with 50 passenger planes and I guarantee you will be flying 737s in a few years out of here – it's just a matter of growing the economy."

Previously, only Spirit Airlines and charter flights were offered at ACY. But now with people flying in from Houston and Chicago, officials hope more conventions are booked, more casinos are filled, and that more dollars are spent in South Jersey.

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