Wichita ? Kansas officials say AirTran Airlines will continue flying out of Wichita’s Mid-Continent Airport as it transitions to Southwest Airlines.

The announcement Friday at the Wichita Metro Chamber of Commerce came amid questions about whether the airport would continue service with the low-cost airline after Southwest purchased AirTran. Gov. Sam Brownback and local leaders were on hand for the announcement.

Officials say the move will help keep down the cost of airfares out of Wichita.

KWCH-TV reports AirTran first came to Wichita in 2006 as part of the city’s “Fair Fares” program, which provided a revenue guarantee.

Since then, the city and Sedgwick County each has provided $812,000 in subsidies on top of the $4.8 million the airline received from the state.