Adds Service From Orlando, Into Atlanta
Fledgling air taxi provider DayJet
announced Wednesday a 30 percent expansion of its service network,
with the addition of two primary DayPort and 14 secondary DayStop
markets. Orlando and St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL are the latest
DayPort markets to gain direct connectivity to more than 60
community airports across Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana,
Mississippi, North Carolina and South Carolina.
Since the launch of its "Per-Seat, On-Demand" jet service last
October, DayJet has tripled its core DayPort service network,
while also scaling back overall operations and
cutting back the number of aircraft it operates. In Florida alone,
83 percent of the state's population now lives within 40 miles of a
DayPort airport, according to the company.
Newly-announced DayStop markets include Anderson, SC; Asheville,
NC; Atlanta, GA; Athens, GA; Birmingham, AL; Gulfport, MS;
Greenville, SC; New Orleans, LA; Rock Hill, SC; and Tuscaloosa,
AL.
"As commercial carriers continue to reduce service in response
to rising fuel costs, the communities beyond airline hubs suffer
the consequences," said DayJet CEO Ed Iacobucci. "The rapid
contraction of regional transportation options is causing many
Southeastern communities to become increasingly isolated. With few
or no flight options, business travelers in these communities are
forced to spend more time on travel. We are solving this problem
today by expanding our efficient and affordable jet service to the
communities that need it the most."
As DayJet works to optimize its network, the company is
increasingly encroaching into heavily-populated areas like Atlanta
and Orlando -- a marked departure from its original intent to
provide service to out-of-the-way areas ill-served by commercial
airlines. The company still plans to avoid large commercial
airports, though; for example, the company has opted to fly from
Sheltair Aviation Services at Orlando Executive Airport (ORL)
located due north of Orlando International.
DayJet hopes its increased service partially offsets an expected
loss of seats on airliners departing Orlando. Citing a study by the
"Official Airline Guide," DayJet forecasts the number of scheduled
seats departing Orlando will drop by nearly 6,900 per day; and by
next December, there will be 13 percent fewer seats available on
scheduled flights.
"Orlando is one of the most popular destinations in the world in
terms of air travel," said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer. "Adding DayJet
service at Orlando Executive Airport complements our existing air
transportation infrastructure and provides business travelers with
more direct jet service to and from Orlando to the places they do
business."
DayJet is the largest fleet operator of the Eclipse 500
very-light-jet. Its air taxi service is sold by the individual seat
and customized for each passenger's unique time and budget
requirements, with prices starting at a modest premium to full-fare
economy coach airfares.