Cedar Rapids-Memphis flights launched

CEDAR RAPIDS -- For the first time in the history of The Eastern Iowa Airport, travelers are able to fly directly to Memphis.

Seasonal non-stop service on Delta, operated by Delta Connection carrier Pinnacle Airlines, began Thursday evening when the first flight arrived from Memphis. The first departure left Cedar Rapids at 6 a.m. Friday with 47 passengers aboard a 50-seat regional jet.

Airport Director Tim Bradshaw was pleased that Delta chose Cedar Rapids when it was deciding which airports would get seasonal non-stop service to and from Memphis.

"Memphis is a nice hub for Delta, providing our customers with another option for connections to the South and Southeast," Bradshaw said in a prepared statement. "The early morning departure out of Cedar Rapids is ideal."

The Memphis seasonal flights will end on Aug. 15. Delta will begin daily nonstop flights to Atlanta. There will be a single flight by per day operated by Delta Connection carrier Atlantic Southeast Airlines.

The Atlanta flight will leave Cedar Rapids at 6:15 a.m. and returns at 8:10 p.m.

With the addition of the Atlanta flight, The Eastern Iowa Airport will have service to 11 non-stop destinations.