Released September 5, 2008
DIRECT AIR ANNOUNCES NEW SERVICE
FROM PUNTA GORDA/CHARLOTTE COUNTY AIRPORT
PUNTA GORDA, FL– Direct Air today announced the start of new air service from Charlotte Count Airport in Punta Gorda to Worcester, MA, Niagara Falls, NY, Plattsburgh, NY and Myrtle Beach SC beginning Saturday, November 22. Direct Air, an air service based in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, will announce new service to three additional cities next week. Direct Air will use Airbus A319 and A320 aircraft leased from Virgin America, and based in Punta Gorda. The A319 with 8 First-Class and 111 Coach, and the A320 aircraft, with 8 First-Class and 141 Coach-Class all-leather seats, offers plasma television, touch service screens, satellite radio and telephone, and computer connectivity aboard each flight. The flights will be staffed by Virgin America flight crews.
Direct Air currently provides service between Myrtle Beach, SC and Columbus, OH; Newark, NJ; Niagara Falls, NY; Plattsburgh, NY and Pittsburgh, PA and has carried more than 187,000 passengers since the start of operations in March, 2007. The company will begin offering airfares beginning at a customarily lowest-advertised fare of $99 each way, with First-Class seats available as an upgrade for $100 each way. Tickets may be purchased by going to www.directairus.com, or by calling 1.877.432.DIRECT (3473).
As part of the opening celebration, Direct Air is offering all Charlotte County Airport customers a special introductory “$79 for 79 Hours” sale. During this event, customers may call or book online and receive a special discounted rate of $79 each way for most dates of travel into or out of Punta Gorda. This special sales event begins with the press conference at Punta Gorda/Charlotte County Airport on Friday, September 5 at 10 am, and will end 79 hours later on Monday, September 8.
“Direct Air has built a strong niche service in developing secondary airports,” says Judy Tull, CEO of Direct Air. “We’re confident that we can we can rebuild service from Charlotte County Airport with our service featuring nonstop flights, low fares and convenient departure times.”
“Punta Gorda has been long seeking scheduled air service, and we’re pleased to be part of the solution,” states Ed Warneck, President of Direct Air. “Direct Air is committed to providing safe, reliable air service with convenient and unique vacation packages. We are confident that the new, award-winning Virgin Aircraft and six new gateway cities will appeal to a broad range of travelers seeking to travel quickly, and at a reasonable rate.”
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