FT. LAUDERDALE – Vision Airlines will reconnect Grand Bahama Island with direct air service to at least five (5) US cities beginning in November, the Grand Bahama Tourist Office announced today.
Beginning November 11, 2011, Vision Airlines will provide non-stop jet service to Grand Bahama Island from a number of US cities, including Richmond, Virginia; Louisville, Kentucky; Greensboro, North Carolina, Baltimore, Maryland and Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Using a 136 seat Boeing 737-300 aircraft, Vison 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 cost of the United States”.
“If we shopped for tickets to GBI 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 GBI 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.
