Tag Archives: Peoplexpress

PEOPLExpress faces eviction at Newport News-Williamsburg International Airport

PEOPLExpress (2nd) (Newport News/Williamsburg) is facing eviction from its home airport due to over $100,000 in unpaid fees according to USA Today.

Read the full story: CLICK HERE

The second airline to use the name commenced scheduled passenger operations using the wet leased aircraft and crews of Vision Airlines on June 30, 2014. The airline suspended operations on September 26, 2014.

On October 9, 2014 the company issued this statement from CEO Jeff Erickson:

PEOPLExpress today is providing an update on our plans to resume operations as part of our commitment to share as much information as possible as we work to restore much-needed air service.

We currently have a tentative agreement with an additional aircraft provider, which will enable us to enhance our platform, including the addition of a third aircraft as a spare. This will alleviate the service issues we have experienced.

A number of steps need to be achieved before we can resume service, among them some regulatory approvals. In order to ensure that we always have enough planes and crews, we are obtaining approval to operate as an Indirect Aircraft Carrier (known as Part 380). This will allow us to obtain planes from a number of providers if necessary for service stability. We met with the U.S. Department of Transportation this week and we are in the process of providing them with information they requested.

Since we cannot open reservations until we receive government approvals we therefore cannot commit to our previously announced date to resume service.

All customers holding existing reservations will be receiving full refunds. As before, we offer our heartfelt apologies for the inconvenience to our loyal customers. Once we have established a date to resume service, customers with travel dates beginning with the resumption date and beyond will be contacted to offer them the option to rebook their flights for the same dates of travel at the same fare, if they choose.

While our resumption is later than we had anticipated and hoped for, with this approach we will be able to restore a full schedule with exceptional operational integrity, supported by an adequate number of aircraft and crew members. We remain focused on getting back into the air as soon as possible and building the reliable service that our customers have asked for and deserve, with an unwavering focus on safety.

Since this announcement no further details has been provided by the company concerning the alternative operator or a resumption date.

Images: PEOPLExpress.

PEOPLExpress will not be able to resume operations on October 16, wants to add an additional aircraft provider

PEOPLExpress Airlines (2nd) (Newport News/Williamsburg) as previously reported, announced on September 26 it was temporarily suspending service and was planning to re-launch on or about October 16. The airline also announced it still intended to launch previously announced service to Orlando and Charleston, West Virginia starting on October 16. This has now changed.

Today the company announced this update:

PEOPLExpress today (October 9) is providing an update on our plans to resume operations as part of our commitment to share as much information as possible as we work to restore much-needed air service.

A number of steps need to be achieved before we can resume service, among them some regulatory approvals.

In order to ensure that we always have enough planes and crews, we are obtaining approval to operate as an Indirect Aircraft Carrier (known as Part 380). This will allow us to obtain planes from a number of providers if necessary for service stability. We met with the U.S. Department of Transportation this week and we are in the process of providing them with information they requested.

Since we cannot open reservations until we receive government approvals we therefore cannot commit to our previously announced date to resume service.

We remain focused on getting back into the air as soon as possible and building the reliable service that our customers have asked for and deserve, with an unwavering focus on safety.

Photo: PEOPLExpress. The two Boeing 737-400s operated by Vision Airlines for PEOPLExpress are now likely to be operated on other services by Vision.

PEOPLExpress suspends operations, plans to return around October 16

PEOPLExpress Airlines (2nd) (Newport News/Williamsburg) today (September 26) announced that it is temporarily suspending service effective immediately and plans to re-launch on or about October 16.

The airline stated; “Recent aircraft and crew availability and maintenance issues, including an aircraft recently damaged by a vendor’s truck, an engine change and a lack of a planned spare aircraft, have made it challenging to operate a full schedule, preventing us from delivering the passenger experience we are striving for.”

The airline is currently processing refunds for passengers for flights booked through October 15, which will take five to seven business days. For reservations beyond October 15, passengers will receive a notification by e-mail as soon as our service resumption plans are in place.

According to the airline, PEOPLExpress successfully served 55,000 passengers on 817 flights since launching service on June 30, demonstrating the need for additional nonstop air service to underserved markets as a result of airline industry consolidation.

PEOPLExpress still intends to launch previously announced service to Orlando and Charleston, West Virginia starting on October 16.

Meanwhile JetBlue Airways has offered to help any stranded passengers. For those PEOPLExpress customers previously scheduled to fly within existing JetBlue markets (Boston – New Orleans, Tampa or West Palm Beach; Newark – Tampa or West Palm Beach) between September 26 and October 5, call JetBlue at 1-800-JETBLUE to explore alternate travel options.

PEOPLExpress to start Charleston, WV-Orlando flights

PEOPLExpress Airlines (2nd) (Newport News/Williamsburg) today announced new, nonstop service between Charleston’s Yeager Airport and Orlando International Airport effective on October 16.

Service between Charleston and Orlando will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays with Boeing 737-400 aircraft operated by Vision Airlines.

Charleston is the first destination to be added outside the PEOPLExpress base at Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport.

PEOPLExpress launched service June 30 to Newark, N.J., Boston and Pittsburgh from Newport News and has since added West Palm Beach, Florida, Atlanta, New Orleans and St. Petersburg/Clearwater, Florida.

PEOPLExpress is coming to Orlando on October 16

PEOPLExpress Airlines (2nd) (Vision Airlines) (Newport News/Williamsburg) has announced new, nonstop service between Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport and Orlando International Airport effective on October 16.

The popular Florida destination will be the eighth city served from its Newport News base and the first new city since PEOPLExpress announced its initial destinations in May.

PEOPLExpress launched service June 30 to Newark, New Jersey, Boston and Pittsburgh from Newport News and has since added West Palm Beach, Florida, and Atlanta. Service to New Orleans starts on August 28 with St. Petersburg/Clearwater, Florida, on August 29 to complete its initial growth.

Since its inaugural flights, PEOPLExpress has carried nearly 40,000 customers on more than 450 flights.

Service to Orlando begins on October 16 with flights on Sundays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Introductory fares start at $89 each way. Reservations are now open for the new route.

Copyright Photo: PEOPLExpress. Operated by Vision Airlines, Boeing 737-405 N745VA (msn 24271) is now being operated in PEOPLExpress (2nd) colors.

Expanded Route Map:

PEOPLExpress lands in Atlanta

PEOPLExpress (2nd) (Newport News/Williamsburg) touched down today (August 1) with its new service connecting Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport with Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport in Virginia.

“Atlanta was an important destination for the original PEOPLExpress in the 1980s and we’re delighted to return with the same great low fares and convenient non-stop service,” said Jeff Erickson, a long-time airline executive leading the start-up. “People have been very receptive and supportive of our service. From the very beginning, PEOPLExpress was designed to provide a fun, creative and innovative approach to air travel to dispel the myth that low air fares have to mean low service or an impersonal experience. PEOPLExpress is restoring the concepts of respect, value and excitement to the air travel experience. It’s time to Fly Smart!™”

The Boeing 737-400 service operates daily, arriving from Newport News at 11:50 a.m. and departing Atlanta at 12:50 p.m.

Airport officials today welcomed PEOPLExpress with a water cannon salute and ribbon-cutting at the gate.

PEOPLExpress launched service June 30 to Newark, N.J., Boston and Pittsburgh and added West Palm Beach, Florida, to its route map on July 14 and has carried nearly 20,000 customers in its first month of service. On Aug. 28, PEOPLExpress begins service to both St. Petersburg/Clearwater, Florida, and New Orleans.

PEOPLExpress has developed a low-cost, a la carte service model that enables customers to create a customized travel product reflecting their individual wishes and budgets. Customers can choose to fly at an ultra-low price with friendly and attentive service but minimal frills or they can opt to purchase extras they want to make their trip more enjoyable, such as priority boarding, pre-assigned seating or an upgrade to a Living Large™ seat with more personal space.

Top Copyright Photo: PEOPLExpress (2nd).

Bottom Copyright Photo: Atlanta Airport. The first flight arrives at the gate at ATL.

The PEOPLExpress name returns to the skies

PEOPLExpress (Vision Airlines, dba PEOPLExpress) (Newport News/Williamsburg) yesterday (June 30) returned to the skies with low-fare service from Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport to three cities: Boston, Newark, and Pittsburgh.

The new name will expand to other destinations including West Palm Beach (July 15), Atlanta (August 1), and St. Petersburg/Clearwater and New Orleans (August 28).

Vision Airlines will fly Boeing 737-400 aircraft bearing the logo of the popular 1980s carrier of the same name but with a fresh, green livery.

Current Route Map:

Videos:

The new PEOPLExpress picks a low-fare, a la carte service model

PEOPLExpress (2nd) (Vision Airlines dba) (Newport News/Williamsburg) has selected the low fare, a la carte service model that has become popular with U.S. carriers such as Spirit Airlines, Allegiant Air and the newly-reorganized Frontier Airlines. The new airline issued this pricing announcement as it starts its ticket sales:

PEOPLExpress, the iconic brand that made air travel affordable and accessible, has announced the start of ticket sales for low-fare service from Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport (PHF) to seven destinations.

“After months of preparation, we are excited to start selling tickets to create a fun, creative and innovative approach to air travel and dispel the myth that low air fares have to mean low service or an impersonal experience,” said Jeff Erickson of PEOPLExpress. “We are encouraged by the very positive reception we’ve received about our new service. It’s time to Fly Smart.™”

PEOPLExpress takes off June 30 with two daily round-trip flights between Newport News/Williamsburg (PHF) and Newark, and one daily round-trip flight to both Boston and Pittsburgh.

On July 15, West Palm Beach is added with one daily round-trip.

On August 1, PEOPLExpress will add one daily roundtrip to Atlanta (except Tuesdays), followed on August 28 by three weekly roundtrips to St. Petersburg/Clearwater and three weekly flights to New Orleans. PEOPLExpress will operate from two gates on Concourse A at Newport News.

Vision Airlines, dba PEOPLExpress, will fly Boeing 737-400 aircraft operated by Vision Airlines bearing the logo of the popular 1980s carrier of the same name but with a fresh, green livery. Each aircraft has 150 seats – 138 with coach seating and 12 Living Large™ seats featuring more personal space for a fee. Both seating options will feature the same level of in-flight service.

Introductory fares start as low as $76 each way.

PEOPLExpress has developed a low-cost, a la carte service model that enables customers to create a customized travel product reflecting their individual wishes and budgets. Customers can choose to fly at an super-low price with friendly and attentive service but minimal frills or they can opt to purchase extras they want to make their trip more enjoyable, such as priority boarding, pre-assigned seating or an upgrade to a Living Large seat.

Fees for checked bags are lower than that of major carriers, at $20 for the first bag and $25 for the second. Living Large seats are available at $59 per flight segment, exit row seats are $25 each way, advance seat assignments are $15 each way while carry-on bags in overhead bins are $25 for each bag per segment. Beverages are available for purchase to accompany complimentary snacks.

All fares are per customer and include the base fare plus any applicable government-imposed taxes and fees. Some fees may be per segment while others may apply to connecting flights. Fares are subject to change until the flight has been purchased.

Complete schedules, times, fares and fees are available at any time at http://www.flypex.com or by calling toll-free (844) 435-9739 (or 844-4FLYPEX), from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. daily, Eastern time.

Bloomberg Businessweek takes a look at the new PE: CLICK HERE

Copyright Photo: Ted Kitchens. Photos taken at Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport. The first Vision Airlines Boeing 737-400 to be repainted is the pictured 737-405 N745VA (msn 24271).

Vision Airlines:

PEOPLExpress (1st):

Vision Airlines paints its first Boeing 737-400 for the latest PEOPLExpress

Vision Airlines (Las Vegas) has painted its first Boeing 737-400 for the new PEOPLExpress (2nd) (Newport News/Williamsburg). Boeing 737-405 N745VA (msn 24271) is pictured after receiving its new look. Under the agreement just announced, Vision will operate four 737-400s under the reincarnated PEOPLExpress brand from the Newport News-Williamsburg International Airport (PHF) (see below). The agreement comes at a good time. Vision has been experimenting with a lot of scheduled routes over the past few years as we detailed in previous reports. Currently the scheduled route map for Vision has shrunk to these two routes to Biloxi/Gulfport in Mississippi:

Top Copyright Photo: PEOPLExpress (2nd)/Vision Airlines.

Vision Airlines:

Bottom Copyright Photo: PEOPLExpress (2nd). An aerial view of the terminal at the new base for PEOPLExpress (2nd), Newport News-Williamsburg International Airport.

PEOPLExpress to start operations on June 30, announces its other new routes

PEOPLExpress (2nd) (Vision Airlines dba) (Newport News/Williamsburg) today announced it will commence scheduled passenger operations on June 30 to Boston, Newark and Pittsburgh. Vision Airlines will be operating three Boeing 737-400s under the revived PEOPLExpress brand. The new airline also announced further routes that will be introduced this summer after the initial routes. The company issued this statement:

PEOPLExpress™, the iconic brand that made air travel affordable and accessible, returns to the skies June 30 with low-fare service from Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport to three cities: Boston, Newark, and Pittsburgh.

PEOPLExpress today announced its inaugural schedule at a kick-off event today with Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe, local dignitaries, airport officials and new employees. The schedule includes four additional destinations: West Palm Beach, Florida (starting July 15), Atlanta (August 1), and St. Petersburg/Clearwater, Florida, and New Orleans (August 28).

Vision Airlines, dba PEOPLExpress, will fly Boeing 737-400 aircraft operated by Vision Airlines bearing the logo of the popular 1980s carrier of the same name but with a fresh, green livery.

“From the very beginning, PEOPLExpress was designed to provide a fun, creative and innovative approach to air travel to dispel the myth that low air fares have to mean low service or an impersonal experience,” said Jeff Erickson, a long-time airline executive, on behalf of the carrier. “PEOPLExpress is restoring the concepts of respect, value and excitement to the air travel experience.”

The PEOPLExpress management team identified opportunities in underserved markets from Newport News while developing a service model built on a great experience at a great price.

“Air travel had become an unpleasant, difficult and costly experience for many travelers – and in response to that need the new PEOPLExpress was born with a name that left an indelible mark on aviation history,” Erickson said.

Images and map: PEOPLExpress.

Route Map: