Rolls Out First Flying Tortuga As Official Airline Of MiLB’s Daytona Tortugas
Silver Airways has unveiled its first themed aircraft as the official airline of the Minor League Baseball (MiLB) team Daytona Tortugas.
"Tortuga One," with its unique turtle-themed paint scheme and livery, operated Silver Airways’ first flight between Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB) and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) on Thursday, January 17.
The new livery of the Saab 340 aircraft features joint branding among Silver Airways, the Daytona Tortugas, and Daytona Beach International Airport, including a fierce tortuga at bat, the iconic Silver Airways turbine, and branding of the Atlantic Coast airport.
To celebrate the new partnership and Silver’s commitment to the Daytona Beach area community, Silver presented the Tortugas Care Charity Foundation with a substantial donation. The foundation is committed to enriching the lives of youth in the Daytona Beach community through recreational opportunities and for sea turtle conservation efforts.
In addition, the Daytona Tortugas made Silver Airways CEO Steve Rossum an "honorary Tortuga" and presented him with an official team jersey. Jersey No. 9 commemorates Jackie Robinson who played in Daytona Beach before he was permitted to play in the major leagues and who broke the color barrier in Daytona Beach on March 17, 1946, wearing the same No. 9.
"There couldn’t be a more perfect match than the airline who offers the most routes within Florida and Florida’s State League’s Daytona Tortugas," said Silver Airways CEO Steve Rossum. "We are honored to partner with two amazing organizations who share our passion for providing fun, affordable entertainment for Floridians and those visiting our state."
"The passion and energy that ‘Tortuga One’ and Silver Airways are about to bring to our community is unmatched," said Daytona Tortugas President Ryan Keur. "We believe the sky is the limit when it comes to this partnership and are thrilled to have gained a partner that shares many of the same principles in regard to innovation, customer service and community."
"Today was an amazing day for the community," said Daytona Beach International Airport Director Rick Karl. "Celebrating our new partnership and bringing together Silver Airways, the Daytona Tortugas and DAB with the reveal of ‘Tortuga One’ was truly special."
(Image provided with Silver Airways news release)