In This Issue

Welcome to the 1st quarterly VPS newsletter. We have exciting information, tips and specials to share throughout the year. And, our newsletter subscribers will be the first to know. Please enjoy and send us feedback. As always, thank you for flying with VPS.

New Flights This Spring

One stop traveling just got a lot easier.  Beginning April 6, 2010, three separate airlines will offer additional flights and larger aircraft from Northwest Florida Regional Airport.  The upgrades increase capacity for first class and economy cabins to make traveling from VPS even more convenient.

• American Eagle will add a sixth flight from VPS to Dallas/Fort Worth, TX (DFW) starting April 6th.
• US Airways will add a 70-seat CR7 aircraft making
  four daily non-stops between VPS and Charlotte, NC (CLT) starting May 8th. 
• Delta Air Lines, NWF Regional Airport's largest carrier, will add two 142-seat MD-88 aircraft per day with non-stop service to Atlanta, GA (ATL) starting June 8th.

Low Fare Prices

Low prices are always available from VPS thanks to multiple airlines and beneficial cost sharing with neighboring Eglin Air Force Base. Our strong industry relationships reduces cost of operations to offer fare specials like:

·        Baltimore/Washington International (BWI): $138

·        Chicago's O'Hare Airport (ORD):  $178

·        Denver, CO (DEN): $230

·        Boston, MA (BOS): $188

·        Columbus, OH (CMH): $158

·        Dayton, OH (DAY): $158

·        Washington, DC/Reagan National (DCA): $208

·        New York, NY (LGA): $218

See the Airfarewatchdog at www.FlyVPS.com for more great low fares.

USO Update: New Center Coming Soon

The USO's new "Freedom Lounge" is on schedule to open this spring.  Exciting new features include:

• Community welcome packets with local travel brochures, cultural and entertainment event listings, hotel/motel/restaurant locations, and information on services and programs.
• Emergency assistance for travelers in need of lodging, transportation or food until appropriate military or community services are identified.
• On-site computer services, library services (books/magazines/newspapers/video games), toiletries, communication and children's needs.

The center will also offer Military Family Support groups a place to host meetings and activities to better serve and inform the military community.

The USO is a non-governmental, non-profit 501c(3) organization that depends on corporate and individual support to fund its programs and services.  For more information on the USO center, or if you would like to make a donation in support of this USO, please email Heidi Blair.

 

Lord & Sons Captures Eagle Award for VPS

Lord & Sons Construction has captured the prestigious North Florida Chapter Associated Builders and Contractors Eagle Award for the Northwest Florida Regional Airport, 22 Acre East Side Development Project. This coveted award recognizes leadership in construction and safety within the Northwest Florida region.

 

VPS Hosts WWII Honor Flight

On Wednesday, May 5^th, Northwest Florida Regional Airport
will welcome home the sixth World War II Emerald Coast
Honor Flight, which flies veterans to Washington DC for a free visit to the WWII memorial.  Heroes from Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, Washington, and Holmes counties are chosen on a first come, first served basis to take this free trip. 

 

Based on recent statistics, we are losing WWII veterans at the rate of 1200 per day.   The Emerald Coast Honor Flight non-profit organization gives these veterans a chance to reflect at the national memorial built in their honor and gives top priority to those who are terminally ill.  Please consider being at the airport that evening when the veterans return to help give them a hero's welcome many never received.  More details to follow.

Note: You can bring pies and cakes through the security checkpoint, but please be advised that they are subject to additional screening.

Remember! - do not wrap gifts you're taking on the plane. Security officers may have to unwrap gifts if they need to take a closer look. Please ship wrapped gifts ahead of time or wait until your destination to wrap them.

* Items purchased after the security checkpoint have been pre-screened and can be taken on the plane.

 

 

 

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