DayJet Expands DayPort Network to Sarasota
Connects Florida’s Leading Job Markets to 45 Destinations Across the Southeast, Fueling Economic Growth and Productivity
BOCA RATON, Fla. — May 20, 2008—DayJet Corporation today announced the addition of Sarasota to its DayPort™ service network. As a DayPort airport, Sarasota gains instant connectivity to a growing network of 45 regional community airports across the Southeast.
Starting today, DayJet™ members can fly “Per-Seat, On-Demand” jet service between 45 community airports across Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi and South Carolina when they begin or end their travel at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) or 11 other DayPort airports. Business travelers can now book just the seat they need aboard DayJet’s fleet of Eclipse 500™ very light jets (VLJs); customize travel according to their time and budget requirements; fly point-to-point between DayJet’s growing service network; and return home in a single day. Prices start at a modest premium to full-fare economy coach airfares.
Sarasota and Manatee Counties are projected to receive a total annual economic impact in excess of $10 million from the arrival of DayJet service within its first three years of operation. The company will operate its “Per-Seat, On-Demand” jet service from fixed base operator (FBO) Rectrix Aerodrome Centers, Inc. at SRQ located at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport.
Sarasota Mayor Lou Ann R. Palmer said: “DayJet is the ideal complement to the more than ten commercial airlines currently operating out of Sarasota-Bradenton International airport. Now business travelers have more options to fly from Sarasota on-demand directly to their destination improving their efficiency and creating a work-life balance that helps take advantage of all our community has to offer.”
Manatee Mayor Wayne Poston stated: “Adding DayJet’s innovative new ‘Per-Seat, On-Demand’ jet service gives our local business community more travel options and greater regional connectivity to the people and places they serve. It is home-grown innovation like this that contributes to our continued growth and development.”
DayJet President and CEO Ed Iacobucci said: “Sarasota is among the nation’s leading business communities for job and economic growth. We are committed to increasing the regional connectivity options of key business communities across the Southeast. With 62 percent of Florida’s 18 million residents now living within 35 miles of a DayPort, it is easier than ever for Floridians to enjoy our state’s great quality of life, conduct business across the Southeast, and be home in time for dinner with their family.”
DayJet selected Sarasota because it represents one of the nation’s strongest job markets, consistently ranking among America’s best small cities and best places to do business. Yet Sarasota continues to experience a significant reduction in regional transportation options. Between 2000 and 2007, the number of scheduled flights servicing Sarasota declined by 21 percent and seat capacity also decreased by 11 percent (OAG Worldwide, Inc.).
DayJet customer Chad Roffers, president and co-founder of SKY Sotheby’s International Realty in Sarasota, said: “Thanks to DayJet, we have been able to close a significant amount of incremental business based on the ability for me to be in multiple markets on the same day. DayJet helps me get where I need to get frequently and in a practical way that allows me to maximize my time.”
DayJet Service Drives Economic Growth
DayPort communities served by DayJet become attractive locations for new and expanding businesses as a result of improved workforce mobility, market accessibility and employee productivity. In addition to DayJet’s direct economic contributions via fuel, rent and employee payroll, regional travelers using “Per-Seat, On-Demand” services cause increased consumption of airport-related services, such as car rentals and taxis.
Kathy Baylis, president and CEO of the Sarasota County Economic Development Corporation said: “Thanks to its continuously diversifying economy and well managed development strategy, Sarasota is an epicenter of the Florida economy. Increased flight options like those being offered by DayJet will be welcomed by area businesses. They will now be a short jet ride away from their clients and suppliers, and that’s a real business advantage.”
Nancy Engel, executive director of the Manatee County Economic Development Council stated: “The Greater Bradenton Area balances the livability of ‘Old Florida’ with all the prerequisites and infrastructure of a thriving business community. Bringing DayJet to our region is another great differentiator that ensures Manatee County offers the best of both worlds—unparalleled quality of life with the resources and environment to grow a competitive, successful business.”
Steve Queior, president of The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce commented: “We are proud DayJet chose Sarasota as a DayPort market. Sarasota has long been a great place to grow a business but to ensure our entrepreneurs remain competitive, we need fast, efficient regional transportation options to continue fueling our productivity and our economy. When local businesses become an easy day trip from other cities, economic development gets a boost, employers see increased productivity, and professionals have more time to focus on their families and the community.”
Fredrick Piccolo, president and CEO for Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport stated: “DayJet ‘Per-seat, On-Demand’ jet service is a great complement to the existing scheduled and charter services operating from Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport. In addition to providing efficient regional travel options to local business professionals, DayJet is bringing additional economic opportunity that will benefit the greater Sarasota and Manatee area.”
DayJet Service Network
Since the launch of its “Per-Seat, On-Demand” jet service last October, DayJet has opened nine DayPort airports across Florida – from Pensacola and Tallahassee in the panhandle to the northeast coast of Jacksonville; from Gainesville and Lakeland in central Florida to the southwest coast of Sarasota and Naples, and places in between. With the addition of Sarasota, 62 percent of Florida’s population now lives within 35 miles of a DayPort airport, providing business professionals a new level of productivity and convenience in regional travel.
About “Per-Seat, On-Demand” Jet Service
DayJet has developed the world’s first “Per-Seat, On-Demand” jet service that makes the convenience of corporate jet travel broadly available and affordable for more people and organizations, turning wasted travel time into valuable business and personal time. “Per-Seat” means customers only pay for the seat(s) they need, not the entire aircraft. “On-Demand” means customers fly according to their individually negotiated time requirements.
Business travelers can now book just the seat that they need aboard DayJet’s fleet of Eclipse 500™ very light jets (VLJs); customize travel according to their time and budget requirements; fly point-to-point between regional destinations; and return home in a single day.
About DayJet
DayJet is the world’s largest fleet operator of next-generation very light jet (VLJ) aircraft and the pioneer of a new type of regional business travel. “Per-Seat, On-Demand” jet service is sold by the individual seat and customized for each passenger’s unique time and budget requirements – prices start at a modest premium to full-fare economy coach airfares. Headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida, DayJet is the first 100% all-digital air carrier. Combined with the speed and efficiency of Eclipse 500 VLJ aircraft, DayJet “Per-Seat, On-Demand” jet service has created the next major advance in corporate productivity and regional economic development. For more information, visit www.dayjet.com.
DayJet’s “Per-Seat, On-Demand” business jet service is operated by DayJet Corporation’s wholly owned subsidiary, DayJet Services, LLC, an air carrier registered with the Department of Transportation and the holder of an on-demand air carrier certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) authorizing operations under Part 135 of the FAA’s regulations under Title 49, Subtitle VII, of the United States Code.