(June 14, 2011) — Vision Airlines will reconnect Grand Bahama Island with direct air service to at least five (5) US cities beginning in November, the Ministry of Tourism’s Grand Bahama office announced today.

Beginning November 3, 2011, Vision Airlines will provide non-stop jet service to Grand Bahama Island from a number of US cities, including Richmond, Virginia; Louisville, Kentucky; Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina, Baltimore, Maryland and Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Using a 136 seat Boeing 737-300 aircraft, Vision Airlines will add some 100,000 available seats annually to Grand Bahama Island in its first phase of operations.

David P. Meers Jr., Senior Vice President of Vision Airlines said “It has been very difficult and expensive to get to paradise. Vision Airlines’ partnership with the Ministry of Tourism and the other stakeholders will change all of this beginning in November of this year”.

According to Director-General of Tourism David L. Johnson, “The new non-stop jet service and low cost price structure will favourably reflect Grand Bahama Island’s proximity as the nearest off-shore destination to the east coast of the United States”.

“If we shopped for tickets to Grand Bahama Island today” said the Director-General, “the best price round-trip from Ft. Lauderdale would be $259 including tax, but an average price of $340. When Vision Airlines starts, tickets will be available for as little as $89 round-trip, plus tax, or $199 including tax. And for travel to GBI combined with minimum 3 nights hotel stay”, he added “our customers will be able to fly free for taxes only!”

Providing additional examples, the Director-General said “From Louisville, KY to GBI, the lowest airfare today is $663, including taxes. Vision Airlines’ fares will be $392 including taxes; or, a savings of $542 per booking! Richmond, VA to GBI will be $382, including taxes versus today’s cost of $665. What this shows is that with the advent of this new Vision Airlines service, a 3 night stay on Grand Bahama Island with airfare, hotel and transfers will be typically less than today’s cost for airfare alone.”

“These non-stop jet flights also significantly reduce travel time from cities like Louisville, KY, Baltimore, MD and Richmond, VA from some 7 to 10 hours, to in most cases, 2 hours or less. By realizing its proximity advantage through lower airfares and shortest travel times, it will go a long way to making GBI the destination of choice for vacationers in these markets seeking a beach holiday,” concluded the Director-General.

Established in 1994, Vision Airlines, is the US’ newest big jet, low-cost carrier.

Vision Airlines began with 1 airplane in Las Vegas, NV in 1994 providing Grand Canyon tours to tourists and presently operate a fleet of more than 20 aircraft expanding service to more than 15 US cities.  In the past two decades the company has grown significantly by achieving numerous milestones:

•    Today, Vision Airlines fleet consists of Boeing 767’s, Boeing 737’s, Dornier 328’s and Dornier 228’s.  This fleet of aircraft allows Vision Airlines the opportunity to match the right aircraft to the mission required.
•    Vision Airlines started as a Part 135 Air Carrier and has since become a Part 121 Air Carrier.  Vision Airlines is unique in that the company holds authority to operate as a Part 135 or Part 121 operator.
•    Vision Airlines started scheduled operations in December, 2010 and has since expanded its route structure to more than 15 cities.
•    Vision Airlines has more than 450 employees and has offices in Atlanta, GA, Las Vegas, NV, Louisville, KY, Washington,DC and Destin, FL.
•    Vision Airlines grew its business as being a successful charter air carrier and the company continues to provide charter services to companies like: Beau Rivage Hotel & Casino, Funjet Vacations, Direct Air, US Government and a variety of other customers.

Vision Airlines is privately held and its long-term plans are to become a premier leisure destination airline.  The company serves popular tourist destinations such as Ft Lauderdale, Destin/Ft Walton Beach, Tampa/St Petersburg, Orlando/Sanford and Ft Myers/Punta Gorda.  The company will add Punta Cana, Cancun and Montego Bay through its agreement with Funjet.
These routes will originate in St Louis and start December, 2011.

The extremely low fares and packages, non-stop flights and close proximity of Grand Bahama Island will be a combination for which we believe consumers have been waiting.