Silver Airways has joined the ranks of air carriers at Huntsville International Airport.

And it didn’t waste any time with its first nonstop flight to Orlando taking off Thursday morning.

We are very excited to start this highly-requested nonstop service for business and leisure travelers from Alabama and the Tennessee Valley travelling to the attractions, beaches and businesses of Central Florida, including NASA and Florida’s Space Coast,” said Alabama native and Silver Airways Vice President David LeNoir. “We are delighted with the support and outstanding reception from the folks in the Tennessee Valley for our safe, affordable, and friendly air service.”

To celebrate the new nonstop Huntsville-to-Orlando service, Silver is offering fares for a limited time from only $99 at silverairways.com. In addition, Silver offers one-stop connections from Huntsville to Fort Lauderdale and Key West and one-stop connections from Huntsville to Marsh Harbour and Freeport in the Bahamas.

“The addition of Orland0 … to the list of nonstop destinations for our market has been received with great excitement,” said Betty Fletcher, chair of the airport’s board of directors.

Mayor Tommy Battle emphasized the importance of non-stop air service.

“Our push to offer more non- stops to our top destinations has brought us another outstanding airline to better serve North Alabama,” said Battle.

Airport Executive Director Rick Tucker said it’s important for local residents and businesses to take advantage of the opportunities at Huntsville International Airport.

“Attracting and sustaining new air service is a community-wide matter that affects each and every one of us – both the leisure traveler and the business traveler,” he said. “Launching this service from Huntsville to Orlando is an excellent step to providing all of the citizens of the Tennessee Valley more air travel options and savings.

“Support from the business community and our residents is integral to attracting and sustaining service like this in Huntsville and so we encourage everyone to fly HSV and Silver Airways so that we can continue to provide more air travel options to more destinations and with lower fares.”