By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — PenAir, one of Alaska’s largest regional airlines, has been providing service between Presque Isle’s Northern Maine Regional Airport and Boston’s Logan International Airport since Thursday, June 14.
Non-stop flights began on June 15, with three flights per day, Monday through Friday, and two flights each on Saturday and Sunday.
“We are excited to start our venture into this market and to bring our brand of customer service to the Northeast. We are an established 57-year-old Alaskan company and pride ourselves in customer service, safety and reliability,” said PenAir’s Chief Operating Officer Dave Hall, during a welcome celebration at the airport on May 22.
“We’re delighted to be here and are looking forward to offering special service to the community and region,” said Hall, adding that the company is looking forward to a long-term partnership.
To mark the momentous occasion, Hall said the company would be offering special rates for a limited time to help stimulate travel — including offering one-day schedules for out-of-town business travelers.
“The company is offering some great rates starting out — attractive rates for travelers,” said Bill Levasseur, co-owner of Crown Travel in Presque Isle.
PenAir will employ eight people through the Presque Isle connection, with another 15 or 16 in Plattsburgh, N.Y. and a few in Boston as well.
“We’ve had to increase our employees by about 25 and added three more aircraft to provide service in the Northeast,” said Hall, mentioning that the company might consider future maintenance work out of Presque Isle as well.
Manager of the NMRA Scott Wardwell was enthusiastic after meeting with PenAir officials during their May 22 visit.
“PenAir will be very dependable. It’s a small family business — has some positives associated with that,” said Wardwell. He also mentioned that it’s a plus for NMRA that PenAir’s headquarters is in Alaska, since the company is familiar with winter conditions.
“From a winter operations perspective, there are high hopes and anticipation,” said Wardwell. “They’re no stranger to winter flying conditions and what it takes to make things work in colder climates.”
An introductory fare of $115.30 (including tax) each way to Boston will be available on penair.com or by calling central reservations at 800-448-4226. Seats are limited and travel is good from June 15-28. For a full schedule of fares and flight schedules, visit the website or call the 800 number.
PenAir began service from Boston to Bar Harbor on May 24 and will begin service from Boston to Plattsburgh on June 15.
PenAir Founder Orin Seybert recently retired from the day-to-day operations of the company and turned the reins over to his son, Danny Seybert, who is the chairman of the board and CEO. The airline is codeshare partner with Alaska Airlines and has electronic ticketing agreements with American, Delta, Alaska, USAir, United and several other carriers.
