September 10, 2008

Direct Air Announces New Service from Lehigh Valley International Airport

Lehigh Valley, PA - Direct Air today announced the start of new air service from Lehigh Valley International Airport in Allentown to Punta Gorda-Ft. Myers, Florida and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina beginning Monday, November 24.  The new air service will be offered by Direct Air, an air service based in Myrtle Beach.  Direct Air will use Airbus A320 aircraft chartered from Virgin America.  The aircraft, with 8 First-Class and 141 Coach-Class all-leather seats, offers plasma television, touch service screens, satellite radio and telephone, and computer connectivity aboard each flight.  The flights will be staffed by Virgin America flight crews. 

Direct Air currently provides service between Myrtle Beach, SC and Columbus, OH; Newark, NJ; Niagara Falls, NY; Plattsburgh, NY and Pittsburgh, PA and has carried more than 187,000 passengers since the start of operations in March, 2007. Tickets may be purchased by going to www.visitdirectair.com or by calling 1.877.432.DIRECT (3473).  First-Class seating will be available as an upgrade for $100 each way. 

Normally, Direct Air offers a lowest-advertised fare of $99 each way per person as the starting fare for all flights.  However, as part of the opening celebration, Direct Air is offering all Lehigh Valley International Airport customers a special introductory “$79 for 79 Hours” sale.  During this event, customers may call or book online and receive a special discounted rate of $79 each way, plus applicable taxes and fees, for most dates of travel into or out of Lehigh Valley International Airport, based on availability.  This special sales event begins with the press conference on Wednesday, September 10 and will conclude Saturday, September 13.

 “Direct Air has built a strong niche service in developing secondary airports,” says Judy Tull, CEO of Direct Air.  “We’re confident that we can we can boost service from Lehigh Valley International Airport with our service featuring convenient, direct flights, nonstop service, low fares and convenient departure times.”  Ed Warneck, President of Direct Air, states that “Direct Air is committed to providing safe, reliable air service with convenient and unique vacation packages.  We are confident that the new, award-winning Virgin Aircraft and four weekly non-stop flights will appeal to a broad range of travelers seeking to travel quickly to and from eastern Pennsylvania, and at a reasonable rate.” 

Flights are Public Charters operated by Virgin America. Advertised airfares are one-way and include Federal Excise Tax of 7.5%. Airfares do not include September 11th Security Fees of $2.50 per person, Federal Flight Segment Taxes of $3.50 per person, Passenger Facility Charges (PFC) of up to $4.50 per person, and Convenience Fees of $10 per person per flight segment.  See Direct Air’s Operator-Participant Agreement for full disclosures.