MEDIA RELEASE, SOUTHERN AIRWAYS and MUSKEGON COUNTY AIRPORT
AUG 23, 2022
H: The U. S. Department of Transportation has selected Southern Airways Express LLC, to provide Essential Air Service at Muskegon, Michigan beginning on October 1, 2022.
SH: The airline will offer 36 nonstop round-trip flights per week to Chicago O’Hare Int’l. Airport, in single engine, 9-Passenger Cessna Grand Caravan (C-208) Aircraft.
For Immediate Release, Aug. 23, 2022—Muskegon, MI. The U. S. Department of Transportation has authorized Southern Airways Express, of Palm Beach, FL, to be Muskegon County Airport’s new Essential Air Service Air Carrier. Southern will offer 36-weekly flights to Chicago O’Hare airport, which is one of the largest and busiest airports in the U.S. and a major domestic and international connecting hub for both United Airlines and American Airlines.
“We are excited and proud that the U.S. DOT has placed their trust in Southern to serve as Muskegon County’s hometown airline,” said Southern Chief Commercial Officer, Mark Cestari. “We have a simple and proven formula for success in our Essential Air Service markets—reliability, low fares, seamless connections to our interline partners (United, American and Alaska Airlines) and the best community engagement program in the commuter business to partner with our airport managers and local air travel stakeholders to encourage use of the airport and boost passenger enplanements.”
“The West Michigan community welcomes Southern Airways Express to Muskegon County,” said Mark Eisenbarth, Muskegon County Administrator. “The substantial increase in flight frequencies will allow customers much greater access and connectivity into the national air transportation system, and we welcome business travers and families from around the area to try Muskegon County airport and Southern Airways Express as an easy and convenient air travel option.”
Cestari added, “We believe there are many benefits to our service, including much more frequency (36 weekly flights vs. the current carrier’s 14.) This allows passengers more choices, many more connecting options, which is so important in today’s highly disrupted air travel environment. Additionally, Southern features low fares, our average fare to Chicago will be just $52.00—less than a tank of gas and a great value.”
Travelers seeking additional information about Southern can visit www.iflysouthern.com. Tickets will go on sale shortly.
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