Katie McConnell couldn't stop smiling Saturday afternoon.
"I've never won anything before," the Victoria resident said.
McConnell
was one of dozens from the community who attended Victoria Regional
Airport's open house to show off the new air service provider and its
plane that will take passengers from Victoria to Dallas and Austin
beginning Sunday.
She was among an even smaller group of people who won raffle drawings and free round-trip flights.
McConnell's experience is part of airport officials' way of having a fresh start with flyers.
It
began with the open house drawing in community members to see local
elected officials and some campaigning, airport and airline officials,
and enjoy free food and drink, prizes and the new plane on display. The
airport and local economic development officials hosted a ribbon cutting
for new airline Public Charters, which will fly to Austin and Dallas.
Plagued
in the past by maintenance and logistics issues, ticketing problems and
canceled flights with the previous air service provider, airport
manager Jason Milewski said he looked at the open house as a rare
opportunity to connect with the public.
"This is the first opportunity in many years to provide the level of service that meets their expectations," he said.
McConnell,
who experienced some of those issues in the past, said she was thrilled
about seeing the new plane and traveling in it.
"The plane is gorgeous," she said. "Really excited about flying to Austin rather than Houston."
Victoria
resident Ina Elizondo also checked out the plane, a BAE Jetstream 3200,
which seats 19 passengers. She plans to use the service.
"It's not crowded," she said. "It's not claustrophobic. It's got a lot of room. Pretty plane."
It's
vital to be able to provide air travel service in Victoria, said Randy
Vivian, president of the Victoria Chamber of Commerce.
"Now, I can fly for $200," he said. "It's a huge cost-saving and time-saving convenience for the citizens of Victoria."
FLIGHT SCHEDULE
•
For Sunday, Monday and Tuesday - Victoria to DFW: departs at 6:50 a.m.,
arrives at 8:10 a.m.; DFW to Victoria: departs at 12:30 p.m., arrives
at 1:50 p.m.
• Beginning Wednesday, daily service, except
Saturdays - Victoria to Austin to Dallas: departs at 6 a.m., arrives in
Austin 6:40 a.m.; departs Austin at 7:10 a.m., arrives in Dallas at 8:10
a.m.; DFW to Austin to Victoria: departs at 12:30 p.m., arrives in
Austin at 1:30 p.m.; departs Austin at 2 p.m., arrives in Victoria at
2:40 p.m.
• Also beginning Wednesday, there will be three
additional weekly rotations to Austin on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
- Victoria to Austin: departs at 3:10 p.m., arrives at 3:50 p.m.;
Austin to Victoria: departs at 4:20 p.m., arrives at 5 p.m.
SOURCE: Victoria Regional Airport
Victoria Regional Airport flights to Austin, Dallas
First flights begin Sunday
How
to book a flight: Tickets are available through the airport, online at
publiccharters.com and several travel websites, including Orbitz,
CheapOAir and BCD Travel.
Story and Comments: http://www.victoriaadvocate.com
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