BUDGET carrier AirTran Airways is scheduled to add an additional flight to its non-stop schedule between Montego Bay and Baltimore, USA early next year.

According to JIS News, the state information agency, the additional flight will operate on Saturdays and Sundays beginning February 26 through May 1.

“The additional non-stop flight from AirTran will make it easier for travellers from Baltimore to visit Jamaica this winter season,” said Director of Tourism and Jamaica Tourist Board Chairman John Lynch.

“Our exciting destination has so much to offer everyone, from our amazing attractions to our diverse accommodations and great cuisine, and with the additional non-stop flights, travellers looking to escape the frigid temperatures of the winter months in the mid-Atlantic area will find it impossible to resist,” he said.

AirTran’s Director of Revenue Management Roger Morenc was enthusiastic about the development.

“We are very excited about offering this increased high-quality, low-cost service for the winter season and believe both the people of Baltimore/Washington and Montego Bay will benefit,” he said. “Getting to the warm, inviting beaches of Jamaica has never been easier.”

According to JIS News, beginning Saturday, February 26 through March 12, the flight will depart Baltimore/Washington International (BWI) airport at 10:00 am, arriving in Montego Bay at 1:42 pm. The return flight will depart Montego Bay at 2:35 pm, arriving at BWI at 6:03 pm.

The Sunday flights are scheduled to begin on March 13 and will depart BWI at 10:00 am, arriving in Montego Bay at 12:42 pm, while the return flight will leave Montego Bay at 1:35 pm, arriving at BWI at 6:03 pm.

AirTran currently operates a daily non-stop flight from BWI at 8:41 am, arriving at Montego Bay at 12:23 pm. The return flight departs Montego Bay at 4:02 pm, arriving at BWI at 7:30 p.m.

“AirTran Airways has been ranked the number one low-cost carrier in the Airline Quality Rating study for the past two years and is the recipient of the prestigious 2010 Market Leadership Award from Air Transport World,” JIS News said.

The carrier, which operates more than 700 flights a day to over 56 destinations, has its hub at Hartsfield/Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the world’s busiest airport by passenger volume, where it is the second largest carrier.

Information posted on AirTran Airways’ website says it is a subsidiary of AirTran Holdings (NYSE: AAI), is the world’s largest operator of the Boeing 717 and has America’s youngest all-Boeing fleet.

The airline recently added to its fleet the Boeing 737-700 aircraft, one of the most fuel efficient and environmentally friendly aircraft flying today.