Open Skies IS HERE

A Prime New Market to Amsterdam:
KLM Inaugural Flight from Dallas to Amsterdam hits skies on March 30

- Editorial by Peter Hartman, CEO – KLM Royal Dutch Airlines

EU-US Open Skies: A New Gateway to London

- Editorial by Willie Walsh, CEO - British Airways

"Our business community includes many guests and investors from the European Union who feel that Dallas Fort Worth is the perfect region for developing winning business initiatives. Addition of flights from the European Union reinforces Dallas Fort Worth as this key strategic center and further fuels the economic growth engine for the local, state, national and global economy."

- Mark Ozenick, Practice Leader for Aerospace & Private Equity

"With more than 1,850 restaurants in 25 countries around the world, Brinker International relies on easy access to international flights from DFW Airport. As our company continues to grow globally, we salute the launch of the Open Skies agreement. We look forward to the increased revenue, expanded access and additional options these new flights will provide to residents and visitors of North Texas."

- Doug Brooks, President and CEO, Brinker International

"DFW International Airport has always been one of the greatest assets for our organization and the entire North Texas community. The industry of sport has become more global in nature. As such, DFW Airport’s reach is a tremendous advantage in helping attract some of the world’s premier sporting events to our region."

- Rick Baker, President, Cotton Bowl Athletic Association

"Easy access to international markets is essential to the development and continued growth of cities and communities around the world. At The Beck Group, a full service builder headquartered in Dallas, access to our international operations is critical to our future growth. As a primary hub for international travel, the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport should significantly benefit from the new Open Skies Agreement between the U.S. and Europe."

- Peter Beck, CEO, The Beck Group

"The opportunity for travelers to fly direct from DFW International Airport to so many domestic and international destinations is tremendous. It’s not only faster and cheaper, but the reduced strain on the frequent business traveler is significant. Verizon has 14,000 employees who call North Texas home but thanks to DFW International Airport, our people can follow our business wherever it leads them around the globe."

- David O. Russell, Vice President, Verizon Communications

"As the region of choice, it is important for North Texas to have a world-class, international airport to make our region accessible to countries looking to do business in the area. DFW International Airport is the preeminent airport that offers both North Texas residents and our guests convenience, comfort and choice. In North Texas, the air is our ocean and we are lucky to have DFW International Airport serving the region."

- Dan Petty, President/CEO, North Texas Commission

"As Downtown Dallas continues to grow as a world-renowned destination to live, work and play, international travelers are key to our success. With projects like the Dallas Center for Performing Arts (a new multi-venue Center for music, opera, theater and dance that will open in 2009 as the most significant performing arts complex to be built since Lincoln Center); the development of the Trinity River (a $1.25 billion project to create countless recreational amenities and three iconic Santiago Calatrava designed bridges in Downtown); and a residential, retail and entertainment "boom" in the heart of our city, Downtown Dallas will be repositioned throughout the world as no longer just the home of J.R. Ewing, but instead as one of the most vibrant, cultural and exciting urban centers thriving today!"

- John F. Crawford, President & CEO, DOWNTOWN DALLAS

"With the completion of the new Cowboys Stadium and hosting of the Super Bowl in 2011 quickly approaching, we look forward to welcoming sports fans from far and wide. The preeminence of DFW International Airport provides easy access to America's Team and, within months, one of the great sports venues in the entire world."

- Jerry Jones, Owner, Dallas Cowboys

"Dallas apparently got the nod as the first 'encore' city to host the event [King Tut exhibit] on the heels of Los Angeles, Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Chicago and Philadelphia because organizers were swayed by the city's ambitious growth in the Arts District and by its logistical prowess, in being a transportation hub because of Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. A lot of American cities wanted to have this. We made a case that Dallas was the most well-placed city in the heartland of America to present this exhibit."

- John R. Lane, The Eugene McDermott Director of the Dallas Museum of Art

"The University of North Texas is a global community. With more than 2,000 students from 116 countries enrolled at UNT and a vibrant faculty and student body that travel often to participate in the global intellectual community, access to the world is paramount. In addition, UNT welcomes many foreign visitors as we develop partnerships to improve global understanding. Current partnerships include programs with Turkey, Thailand, Mexico and many other nations."

- Gretchen Bataille, President, University of North Texas