Passengers on a United Airlines flight from Chicago will get a wet welcome at Atlantic City International Airport.
A water cannon will salute the airline's inaugural flight on Tuesday and political leaders will be on hand to welcome passengers.
Previously, only Spirit Airlines and charter flights offered service at the airport located in Egg Harbor Township, N.J.
That changes as United lands with nonstop service to the airline’s hubs at Chicago-O’Hare International Airport and Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport.
Officials view the flights as key to helping Atlantic City's struggling casinos.
"United's new Atlantic City service will drive business, tourism and economic development throughout the southern part of the state," said United Chairman, President & CEO Jeff Smisek.
"It speaks volumes that a company like United Airlines recognizes the full and future potential of Atlantic City International Airport," said Christie. "The decision to bring air service to the seaside resort opens Atlantic City and ACY to the world while expanding travel service opportunities for the people of the South Jersey region."
Local
Breaking news and the stories that matter to your neighborhood.
United Express carrier ExpressJet will operate 50-seat Embraer ERJ-145 aircraft at the airport. There will be a morning arrival each day from Chicago with an afternoon departure to the Windy City. The Houston departure will be each morning from A.C. with an arrival each evening.
ACY used to have Airtran service to Atlanta but that ended a couple of years back. In the first six months of 2013 alone, nearly 170,000 fewer passengers used ACY compared to the same time last year.
