Airport offers two new southern destinations

By DAN HEATH
Staff Writer

January 11, 2008 04:00 am

— PLATTSBURGH -- Myrtle Beach Direct Air & Tours will offer three non-stop flights a week between Myrtle Beach and Plattsburgh starting March 15.
Myrtle Beach Direct President and Managing Partner Ed Warneck said Myrtle Beach Direct realized Plattsburgh International Airport could mimic the success the company has seen with its service from Niagara Falls and Pittsburgh.
"Since we opened at Niagara Falls, we can't add planes fast enough," he said.
Two of the flights will continue to St. Petersburg/Clearwater after a short stop in Myrtle Beach.

FAST FLIGHT
He said travelers will reach Myrtle Beach in two hours and Florida in three hours.
"I know you're going to fall in love with our service," Warneck said. "We're going to wine and dine the folks up here."
Myrtle Beach Direct operates Boeing 737-400 twin-engine aircraft with 12 first-class and 138 coach-class seats. Warneck said 10 percent of seats on each flight will be priced at $99 one way, with prices rising after those seats are filled. There is a $50 charge to upgrade to first class, which includes free cocktails for the duration of the flight. Warneck said the average one-way fare is $139 to $149, the top fare is $169, and there are no blackout periods.
Myrtle Beach Direct Chief Financial Officer Bob Keilman said the company works closely with Myrtle Beach Golf Holiday, an association of 78 courses, 89 package providers and five golf schools.
"They tag this area as a hotbed for golf and family vacations."
Keilman said Myrtle Beach Golf Holiday already does a lot of advertising in the Montreal market.
"Once someone decides to go to Myrtle Beach, we're the best way to get there."
DRAWING PEOPLE HERE
Warneck said there is an opportunity for reverse marketing of the Lake Champlain and Adirondack regions.
"I can assure you there are people in the South that want to get up here in the summer."
The absence of international flights and the extra fees charged at Pierre Elliot Trudeau (formerly Dorval) International Airport in Montreal and the lack of congestion and free parking at Plattsburgh International make it more attractive to Canadian travelers, Warneck said.
He said Trudeau International could try to compete by offering non-stop flights to Myrtle Beach but can't reduce the international travel fees, which he estimated are about $150 per flight. That puts Myrtle Beach Direct $50 ahead right off the bat, Warneck said.
Three flights a week could be just a start.
"We will grow as demand calls for it," Warneck said.
Other airlines are watching as Myrtle Beach Direct expands its operations, he said, and could be attracted to Plattsburgh if this second low-cost air service is successful.
Plattsburgh-North Country Chamber of Commerce President Garry Douglas said the idea that people would board flights in Plattsburgh to Florida was unimaginable a couple years ago. He said that as the chamber marketed the airport, Canadians indicated Myrtle Beach was one of their seven most popular destinations.
"We're also now Montreal's sun and fun airport," Douglas said. "We knew Montrealers like to go someplace warm."
NO GRANT
The relationship between Myrtle Beach Direct and Plattsburgh kicked off with a letter-writing campaign in an attempt to secure a $625,000 grant through the U.S. Department of Transportation's Small Community Air Service Development program. Even though that effort wasn't successful, discussions continued.
Myrtle Beach Direct representatives were kept updated on the success of Allegiant Air. When that airline launched in Plattsburgh last November, it experienced its best start ever, Douglas said.
He said that if Plattsburgh can show it can keep filling 737s, airlines will realize they can fill a regional jet.
New York State Assemblywoman Janet Duprey recommended Myrtle Beach Direct figure out ways to get more planes available to Plattsburgh and was told those efforts have started.
"We look forward to more and more good news," she said.
Robert Heins, chairman of the Clinton County Legislature's Airport Committee, said the new flights will attract not only Canadians but also travelers from Vermont. The idea of marketing this region to southern travelers makes good sense, he said.
"We have a lot to offer in the summer and skiing in the winter."
Montreal would also be a popular reverse-marketing point, with its variety of festivals and attractions, Heins said.
"This is another piece of the puzzle."
dheath@pressrepublican.com

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