Aim For Same Functionality As Airline Travel Sites, For Air Taxi Service

Boca Raton, FL-based Coastal Technologies Group, inc. and FlyPorts International, Inc., of Raleigh, NC told ANN this weekend of the release of a first of its kind real-time reservation system for charter flights. Door2DoorAir.com and FlyPorts.com will go live on Tuesday, July 15.

"Next generation technology is enabling safe and highly fuel efficient aircraft to provide this specialized air service, making it more available and affordable than ever before," said Richard Kane, CEO of CTGi, which will provide the software used on the sites. "By utilizing our optimization modeling software, air service companies are able to network their operations in a practical and efficient way which was not available or economically feasible in the past."

The flight reservation portal allows connectivity and access to multiple flight providers enabling travelers the ability to customize flight schedules, times, airport locations, cost, and even the type of aircraft they fly on.

"Door2DoorAir provides direct, live booking capabilities which have never before been available to the traveling public," said Sal Terranova, VP Sales/Marketing, CTGi. "Our service allows you to book directly on-line with associated air taxi companies just like Travelocity and Expedia provide multiple airline, rental car and hotel choices. As an added feature, our booking engine will also incorporate ground-based transportation and lodging functionality in the very near future."

Door2DoorAir will begin its launch in association with the marketing efforts of FlyPorts, International. The promotional programs at FlyPorts.com introduce local airports to potential air service travelers.

"We are getting the word out that community airports offer many services, amenities, and economic development enhancements to the areas they serve," said FlyPorts President Shelly Reams. "FlyPorts.com and Door2DoorAir.com introduce to the public that professional and safe air transportation is available right from their backdoor, close-in and direct. The hassles and stress of airline travel through the maze of the nation’s hub terminals are avoided. You can show up at the general aviation terminal just minutes before your flight and take your whole tube of toothpaste on board without getting frisked."

FlyPorts programs aim to show air service is available from outside the traditional airline network, which especially for the business traveler saves time and money by flying to and from the airports closest to their meetings. FlyPorts will launch with a project, funded by the US Department of Transportation, for the State of North Carolina's Aviation Division. NCFlyPorts will highlight 11 regional airports in North Carolina by marketing local airport services and air passenger capabilities throughout the state.

"The surprising affordability of these flight options really add up quickly when considering the vast amounts of time and per diem spent on the road by business travelers," said Kane. CTGi will be able to illustrate this in detail with a time and savings calculator, which will be available on the websites.

"The State of North Carolina and the US DOT recognize the need to enhance air service to smaller communities," said Dave Thomas, Air Service Marketing Manager for the NCDOT Aviation Division. "Uncertainty and cut-backs in the commercial airline industry are clearly having an adverse impact on the availability of regional airline service. We feel the NCFlyPorts Program will enhance aviation and economic development in addition to our efforts to maintain excellent connectivity in our commercial airline terminals."

FMI: www.door2doorair.com, www.flyports.com, www.ncflyports.com