NEAT offers connector between PI and Frenchville

    Business and tourism opportunities between southern and northern Maine will be greatly improved with the launch of a new, and the only, regular air service between Portland, Augusta, Presque Isle and Fort Kent.    The official launch and first official flight of New England Air Transport (NEAT), which will operate a regular air service between Portland and Fort Kent, with requested stops in Augusta and Presque Isle, took place Sept. 25.
    Dignitaries and guests gathered at the Northeast Air Executive Terminal, Portland International Jetport, with officials speaking about the new service. Paul Bradbury, Jetport manager, welcomed those in attendance. Speakers also included: David Fernald, president of NEAT; Ed Suslovic, mayor of Portland; Jeff Allen, senior vice president of external relations, Fairpoint Communications; as well as officials from the St. John Valley and representatives of Maine’s U.S. Congressional delegation who shared letters of support.
    The inaugural flight departed Portland around 9:15 a.m., bound for Frenchville.
    Activities continued at the Northern Aroostook Regional Airport in Frenchville around 11:30 a.m. where officials gathered to welcome the airline. A lunch followed at noon; festivities concluded with a 1:15 p.m. NEAT flight returning to Portland.