NEW AIRLINE CARRIER HAS EYES ON FORT WALTON BEACH AND SURROUNDING AREA

More eyes on Fort Walton Beach and the surrounding area. As I noted in the past, the Economic Development Council, Tourist Development Council, the Chamber of Commerce, and many others, have been instrumental in keeping the Panhandle of Florida in their crosshairs of the country. The markets targeted have been some of the travelers visiting us over the years, as well as, some areas, which have benefitted from the Aerospace growth we have now and more planned in the future. There is much more happening and being planned. STAY TUNED. Great job to all parties involved.

New air carrier could land in Okaloosa
Vision Airlines is expected to announce its plans soon
By DUSTY RICKETTS
Northwest Florida Daily News 315-4448 dricketts@nwfdailynews.com  

It appears a new low-cost airline is on its way to Northwest Florida, and this one will land in Okaloosa County. Mark Bellinger, executive director of the Okaloosa County Tourist Development Council, announced at a Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce breakfast Friday that Vision Airlines will expand its services to Northwest Florida Regional Airport. Bellinger said Vision Airlines was expected to announce that it soon will offer flights to and from Niagara Falls, N.Y., to attract snowbirds. Flights then would be added to other cities in March or April. “I think having a new start-up is going to be extremely exciting,” Bellinger said after the breakfast. “Vision Airlines wants to work very closely with our community. They’ve already met with the lodging industry. They want to do cooperative package plans for overnight lodging that they can offer on their website.” After Bellinger’s announcement, Okaloosa County Airports Director Greg Donovan said it was too soon for him to comment on the airline’s arrival. “We’re in discussions with a new airline and an airline announcement is not ready yet,” Donovan said. “The airline will need to make the announcement. We’ve been working with them and we hope an announcement will be coming soon.” In addition to Niagara Falls, other cities that could be served with direct flights include Atlanta, Louisville, Ky., Huntsville, Ala., Little Rock, Ark., Baton Rouge, La., and Orlando. Bellinger said the TDC will partner with the new airline on advertising. Vision also wants to work with local restaurants and retailers in promoting their businesses and offering discounts to airline passengers, he said. “They just want to work with partners and they want to work with the local community to make this successful,” Bellinger said. “They really are personalizing, I think, the airline experience, and you just don’t see that with the big carriers.”