(Louisville) – Kansas City and Raleigh-Durham are the latest cities added to a growing list of nonstop destinations offered in and out of Louisville International Airport (SDF). Greater Louisville Inc.’s Regional Air Coalition (RAC), in conjunction with the Louisville Regional Airport Authority (LRAA) announced the new OneJet flights this morning inside Louisville International Airport just as OneJet’s first nonstop flight from Pittsburgh touched down. Daily flights to Kansas City and Raleigh-Durham are scheduled to begin in October.
“Our business partners asked and we got the job done,” GLI President and CEO Kent Oyler said. “Those three new nonstop destinations are vital to businesses currently in our region and will help us in attracting even more companies to the area.”
“We are very pleased to see Louisville International Airport growing,” Jim Welch, Chairman of LRAA and RAC, said. “With the upgrades to our terminal and the addition of these daily flights, we remain committed to continuously improving our commercial air service.”
“This is an important step in the right direction as we work to bring more air service to citizens and businesses,” Mayor Greg Fischer.
OneJet provides nonstop air service in medium volume regional markets, specifically tailored to meet the needs of corporate travel programs and general business travelers. The Company’s base model is built around not only a service focus to heavily demanded markets but also partnership with local civic and corporate investors. With additional investment in OneJet from the Louisville business community and private investors, more direct flights could be added in the coming months.
“It is clear that there’s strong demand for nonstop air travel in the Louisville market,” Matthew Maquire, CEO of OneJet said. “OneJet is pleased to provide increased access and convenience for the region’s business travelers to some of the top demanded destinations by local corporate employers. We see a continuing opportunity for growth in this market.”
Former U.S. Secretary of Transportation, Ray LaHood, a senior advisor the OneJet program, stated: “Today’s announcement reflects decisive action by Louisville’s civic and corporate leadership to secure service that will benefit Kentucky’s business travelers and several of its largest corporate employers. Through increasing nonstop connectivity, One Jet service provides an important economic tool for communities such as Louisville and we look forward to being part of the city’s continued growth.”
Quality air service is often identified by companies as one of the most important factors when making a decision to relocate or expand an operation. Earlier this year, GLI’s Economic Development team on behalf of the Regional Air Coalition surveyed 1,300 business representatives on their travel needs. The survey included a number of suggested destinations, and the top cities identified were Pittsburgh, Kansas City, Raleigh, New Orleans, and Jacksonville.
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