DOT selects SeaPort for 4-year contract

DOT selects SeaPort for 4-year contract

Salina, Kan., (February 6, 2012) - TheDepartment of Transportation announced its re-selection of SeaPort Airlines to continue essential air service to the Salina area for another four years.

Although typical EAS contracts are awarded for two years, SeaPort proposed an option for a four-year term providing three daily flights, six days a week for an annual subsidy of $1,490,479.

Letters recieved by the DOT from Samantha Angell, Mayor of Salina and Tim Rogers, A.A.E., Salina Airport Authority Executive Director expressed community support for the proposal and optimism that the continuation of SeaPort's dependable service would restore community confidence in local passenger air service.

"SeaPort has proven time and again they are willing to go above and beyond to meet the needs of Salina," said Rogers. "They have added flights, held flights, sent flights early and turned a plane around on the taxiway to benefit their customers. They have offered tremendous community support in the way of donations and special events and have worked hand in hand with local organizations to market their service."

With the community's full support and SeaPort's track record of excellent customer service along with the fact that the service provider's enplanements have steadily increased since they took over in April 2010, the DOT has elected for SeaPort to continue to provide service through March 31, 2016.

"The strong partnership between our loyal passengers, the Salina community and SeaPort has been vital to the increasing success of this air service," said Rob McKinney, President of SeaPort Airlines. "We're committed to continuing our efforts to build air traffic into Salina over the next four years with a winning combination of affordable fares and reliable service. We especially want to thank everyone for their positive comments and support during the DOT review period."

To mark the occasion, SeaPort Airlines is launching a "Four More" fare sale, offering fares as low as $44 each direction (price includes all government-imposed taxes and fees) between Salina and Kansas City. The sale will take place for four days only, from February 6 to February 10, 2012 for travel from March 1 to April 30. Fares are limited and based on availability, so grab them before they're gone.

SeaPort is also hosting a Facebook contest to mark the event. To participate, just post why you love Salina and SeaPort on the official SeaPort Airlines Facebook page by February 10, 2012. Four winners will receive four round-trip ticket vouchers. Rules and restrictions apply.

SeaPort Airlines is a scheduled commuter airline, operating more than 100 total daily scheduled flights within Tennessee, Arkansas, Oregon, Washington, Kansas, Missouri, and Alaska. Each location consistently provides passengers with efficient and convenient service.

Without the hassle of waiting in large lines, passengers may arrive just 20 minutes prior to departure. Customers can arrange to be met by a taxi upon landing, creating a smooth transfer to the doorstep of their final destination. All clients are met by friendly and skilled staff members who are willing to answer questions and present a high-quality brand of customer service. Reservations can be made by calling 888-573-2767 or visiting the SeaPort Airlines website atwww.SeaPortAirlines.com.