Vision Airlines' $2 Round-Trip Flight Fares from 5 US Cities to Grand Bahama Island

SUWANEE, Ga., Oct. 26, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Vision Airlines, America's newest low-cost, big jet carrier, starts selling $2 round-trip vacation package airfares and $29-$79 a la carte one-way seats today for the company's new flights between Grand Bahama Island and 5 U.S. cities that start taking-off on November 3, 2011, according to company spokesman Bryan Glazer.

The specially-priced fares and vacation packages are available at www.VisionAirlines.com through November 2, 2011

$2 Round-Trip Air Fares Available on Every Flight

• Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, MD
• Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, FL
• Louisville International Airport, KY
• Richmond International Airport, VA
• Raleigh-Durham International Airport, NC

Vision Airlines Commercial Passenger Executive Office is Based in Suwanee, GA, Metropolitan Atlanta

ENPLANEMENT STATISTICS: DEMAND FOR NON-STOP, BIG JET, AFFORDABLE SERVICE

"These airports have been severely impacted by consolidation of the airline industry, which has resulted in service reductions and route eliminations," says Vision Airlines' Chief Operating Officer David Meers. "Passengers traveling from these airports once enjoyed multiple flight options but are now restricted to limited schedules. They often have to fly on cramped regional jets and turbo-props; must connect to flights through other cities; endure long layovers; and pay extremely high airfares." Unlike other carriers, Vision Airlines only flies non-stop, big jet flights, emphasizes Meers. "On Vision there are no connections, no grueling layovers and no outrageous fares."

Vision Airlines' Marketing Manager Gini Strobel continues, "Vision Airlines identifies airports that have suffered the effects of air service cutbacks. Our company focuses on enplanement statistics as indicators of unmet demand. Vision Airlines works with local airport executives to develop non-stop, big jet service at affordable fares to places people want to fly to most."

FARES APPLIED TO FLIGHT NOVEMBER 3 – DECEMBER 19. SALE ENDS NOVEMBER 2, 2011.

"Vision Airlines' non-stop fares are as much as $600 less compared to prices on other carriers flying from most U.S. cities to Grand Bahama Island," says Vision Airlines' spokesman Glazer. "Most other airline itineraries require passengers fly on cramped regional jets and turbo-props, connect through hub cities; where passengers endure long layovers – as long as 12 hours." Glazer continues, "Vision Airlines is the only carrier flying non-stop 737 jet flights between Grand Bahama Island's Freeport International Airport (FPO) and BWI, FLL, RDU, RIC and SDF."

There are 24 $2 round-trip fares available on all Grand Bahama Island flights starting November 3, 2011 through December 19, 2011. Vision Airlines' 737-400 jetliners are equipped with 137 seats. Tickets must be purchased by 11:59 PM (ET) November 2, 2011. The $2 round-trip fares only apply when purchased in conjunction with stays of 3 or more nights at any of 9 participating resorts, including the 4 star Grand Lucayan. Some vacation packages start as low as $280 per person, plus taxes. The $2 round-trip fares are subject to U.S. and international taxes and fees. The actual cost of the $2 round-trip fare is approximately $123.00.

$29-$79 ONE-WAY A la CARTE FARES BETWEEN FPO & THESE U.S. AIRPORTS

FLL: $29. RDU: $49. RIC: $59. SDF: $69. BWI: $79..

Limited Number of Ala Carte One-Way FPO Fares. No Resort Bookings Necessary. Does Not Include Estimated $60 Taxes/Fees.

Checked Baggage: $15. Free Soft Drinks & Snacks. Beer & Wine: $5. Mixed Drinks $6.

VISION, HUTCHISON WHAMPOA, MINISTRY OF TOURISM PARTNERSHIP FOR CO-BRANDING CAMPAIGN

According to David Johnson, Director General of the Bahamas' Tourism and Aviation Ministry, Vision Airlines has entered into a joint venture with The Ministry and Hutchison Whampoa Limited's Hutchison Port Holdings to revitalize Grand Bahama Island's tourism trade. It has been severely impacted by the global recession coupled with cutbacks in the airline industry and compounded by the devastation caused by Hurricane Wilma in 2005.

HPH is one of the largest shipping port and airport owner-operators in the world. Its properties include Grand Bahama Island's Freeport Oceanic Container Port, Freeport International Airport and The Grand Lucayan Resort.

According to Hutchison Port Holdings' Chief Executive Officer Gary Gilbert, the public-private partnership revitalization strategy includes providing marketing assistance and airport operational support to Vision Airlines.

The strategy of offering extremely low air fares is intended to increase travel to Grand Bahama Island, therefore invigorating hotel, casino, recreational and retail shopping sales.

EASY INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL

"Typically, passengers flying into the U.S. from abroad must wait on long lines at U.S. Customs and Immigration checkpoints at American airports," says Vision's Strobel. "However, Vision Airlines' passengers clear U.S. Customs and Immigration at Freeport International Airport on Grand Bahama Island."

Meers emphasizes, "This means when passengers arrive on U.S. soil they can immediately deplane, claim their baggage and conveniently exit the airport."

GRAND BAHAMA ISLAND FACTS

• Sub-Tropical Weather
• Generally Pleasant all Year
• Spring & Summer Temperatures 80-85 Degrees
• Fall & Winter 70-80 Degrees
• Rainy Season: May-October
• 12 Beach Resorts
• White Sand
• Aqua Seascape
• Watersports
• Fishing
• Golf
• Eco Tours
• Dolphin Explorations
• Shopping
• Dining
• Nightlife
• Casinos
• Primary Currency: U.S. Dollar

ABOUT VISION AIRLINES: SUCCESSFUL CHARTER GOES COMMERCIAL

Since 1994, Vision Airlines has been one of the world's preeminent air charter companies. Vision Airlines began service with flight tours between Las Vegas, NV and Grand Canyon, AZ. Over the years, the company's fleet has grown to 16 jetliners serving presidential candidates, major league teams, celebrities and gaming properties. Vision expanded into commercial passenger service in December 2010 with the introduction of daily flights between Louisville, KY and Atlanta, GA. That service has been very successful. Since then, Vision has expanded service to several destinations in Florida, Mississippi's Casino Coast and, now, Grand Bahama Island. Vision Airlines continues to operate its lucrative Grand Canyon tours.

VISION AIRLINES AIRPORTS

• ATL
• BWI
• CKB
• CMI
• FLL
• FPO
• GPT
• HOU
• PGD
• PIE
• RDU
• RIC
• SDF
• SFB
• VPS

HUTCHISON PORT HOLDINGS' HISTORY

Hutchison Whampoa Limited began in 1866 as the Hong Kong and Whampoa Dock Company, providing ship construction and repair services. It is now one of the world's largest cargo and container logistics and transportation-related companies. Its operations include cruise ship terminals, container ports, airports, distribution centers, rail services and ship repair facilities. In 2010, Hutchison Port Holdings' network handled a combined throughput of 75 million TEU worldwide. The HPH network of port operations comprises 308 berths in 51 ports, spanning 25 countries throughout Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, the Americas and the Middle East. HPH employs 30,000 people worldwide.

HUTCHISON PORT HOLDINGS IN THE BAHAMAS

Freeport Container Port (FCP) is located on Grand Bahama Island – one of the largest islands comprising The Commonwealth of the Bahamas – about 100 miles from the Port of Miami, Florida. It is currently the deepest container terminal in the region and serves as a major transshipment hub for the eastern seaboard of the U.S. and the principal east/west line-haul routes through the region. FCP is capable of handling the largest container vessels in the world. Upon completion of the $250 million Phase V Development, FCP will have total quay length of 1,536 meters, a yard area of 63 hectares, a depth alongside of 15.5 meters and 16 super-post-Panamax quay cranes.

FINE PRINT ABOUT FARES

US Security fee of $2.50; INTL USA of $16.30; Booking fee of $4.99; BHS Arrival Airport Facility fee of $10.50; and US Passenger Facility Charges of up to $6.50. Taxes and fees on return flights from Grand Bahama Island to U.S. cities: Federal Inspection fee of $7.00; INTL USA of $16.30; Booking fee of $4.99; BS Departure Airport Facility Fee of $12.50; Bahamas Intl Pax Dept Tax of $25.00; US APHIS fee of $5.00; and BHS Security fee of $11.00.  All fares are per person, based on round-trip purchase; require a minimum 3-night stay at a qualified resort purchased in a land-air package, and are non-refundable. Double occupancy booking required. Fares must be purchased by November 2, 2011. Fares offered only valid for travel beginning November 3, 2011 and travel must be complete by December 19, 2011. The $2 RT Fare is available on all flights. Fares, routes, and schedules are subject to change without notice. Standard size bags may be checked for a fee of $15 each way.  These special $2 RT fares are only available at www.visionairlines.com or by calling 1-877-FLY-A-JET (877-359-2538).  

SOURCE Vision Airlines