Officials with the Branson Airport recently announced plans to host one of the top ten air shows in the nation during their opening celebration to take place in May of 2009.

This airport will have the distinction of being the first privately-financed and operated commercial airport in the United States.

Branson Airport is located on 922 acres just south of Branson and is a ten-minute drive from Branson's center.

The airlines that will be serving the airport have not yet been announced. According to the Branson Airport website, officials want to initiate service from Dallas, Atlanta, Chicago, and Denver. The design of the airport is to accommodate midsize commercial planes such as 717s, 737s, and 757s.

In addition to providing air service to the area, the community will also benefit from employment opportunities in a variety of positions. Check out the employment section of their web site for details.

Affordable flights to major cities will be a great benefit for residents and visitors alike. It will be wonderful to drive ten minutes to catch a flight instead of trekking to Kansas City, St. Louis, or Tulsa.