Adds Service From Orlando, Into Atlanta

Fledgling air taxi provider DayJet announced Wednesday a 30 percent expansion of its service network, with the addition of two primary DayPort and 14 secondary DayStop markets. Orlando and St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL are the latest DayPort markets to gain direct connectivity to more than 60 community airports across Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina and South Carolina.

Since the launch of its "Per-Seat, On-Demand" jet service last October, DayJet has tripled its core DayPort service network, while also scaling back overall operations and cutting back the number of aircraft it operates. In Florida alone, 83 percent of the state's population now lives within 40 miles of a DayPort airport, according to the company.

Newly-announced DayStop markets include Anderson, SC; Asheville, NC; Atlanta, GA; Athens, GA; Birmingham, AL; Gulfport, MS; Greenville, SC; New Orleans, LA; Rock Hill, SC; and Tuscaloosa, AL.

"As commercial carriers continue to reduce service in response to rising fuel costs, the communities beyond airline hubs suffer the consequences," said DayJet CEO Ed Iacobucci. "The rapid contraction of regional transportation options is causing many Southeastern communities to become increasingly isolated. With few or no flight options, business travelers in these communities are forced to spend more time on travel. We are solving this problem today by expanding our efficient and affordable jet service to the communities that need it the most."

As DayJet works to optimize its network, the company is increasingly encroaching into heavily-populated areas like Atlanta and Orlando -- a marked departure from its original intent to provide service to out-of-the-way areas ill-served by commercial airlines. The company still plans to avoid large commercial airports, though; for example, the company has opted to fly from Sheltair Aviation Services at Orlando Executive Airport (ORL) located due north of Orlando International.

DayJet hopes its increased service partially offsets an expected loss of seats on airliners departing Orlando. Citing a study by the "Official Airline Guide," DayJet forecasts the number of scheduled seats departing Orlando will drop by nearly 6,900 per day; and by next December, there will be 13 percent fewer seats available on scheduled flights.

"Orlando is one of the most popular destinations in the world in terms of air travel," said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer. "Adding DayJet service at Orlando Executive Airport complements our existing air transportation infrastructure and provides business travelers with more direct jet service to and from Orlando to the places they do business."

DayJet is the largest fleet operator of the Eclipse 500 very-light-jet. Its air taxi service is sold by the individual seat and customized for each passenger's unique time and budget requirements, with prices starting at a modest premium to full-fare economy coach airfares.

FMI: www.dayjet.com