DALLAS, Tex., – Southwest Airlines announced Monday that the carrier will add an 85th destination to its route map with service to Wichita, beginning in June 2013.

Southwest starts service in Wichita with a total of five daily flights offering nonstop service to Dallas, Chicago Midway, and Las Vegas. Southwest will assume all flying from AirTran Airways, its wholly-owned subsidiary, with AirTran’s operations at Wichita Mid-Continent Airport fully converting to Southwest Airlines. AirTran currently serves Wichita with three daily nonstop flights to Atlanta.

To celebrate the new Wichita service, Southwest announced a fare sale of 89-dollars one-way between Wichita and Dallas (Love Field), as well as 109-dollars one-way between Wichita and both Chicago Midway and Las Vegas. These fares must be booked by Nov. 25, 2012, for travel every day except Fridays and Sundays between June 3, 2013, and Aug. 8, 2013 (blackout dates of July 3, 6, and 7, 2013 apply). To take advantage of these special fares, visit www.southwest.com.

Southwest also announced today that the airline has extended its flight schedule for travel between June 2, 2013, and Aug. 9, 2013.

“Monday’s announcement is fantastic news for Wichita and the state of Kansas,” said Kansas Governor Sam Brownback. “Southwest Airlines will contribute significantly to our quality of life in Kansas and to our economy statewide. Affordable flights and flight choices are essential for keeping the cost of business competitive and having Southwest at Mid-Continent Airport makes south central Kansas more accessible to the rest of the country. We can’t wait to book our flight!”

“I’m excited that we now know when Southwest Airlines will begin service at Wichita Mid-Continent Airport and the destinations they will be serving,” said Wichita Mayor Carl Brewer. “We’re thrilled that they’ll be continuing our history of providing low air fares in this region. The presence of Southwest Airlines will benefit both business and leisure travelers and will support our collaborative efforts to retain and create jobs. It’s going to be great to have the Southwest Airlines reputation and brand at our airport, especially when our new terminal opens!”