By Michael Garko, In Airline News
Another airline has decided to create a focus city at the Myrtle Beach International Airport in South Carolina. This time, it will be fledgling carrier Vision Airlines who is hoping to succeed where others have not found much long-term success.
Vision Chief Operating Officer David Meers. Courtesy Vision Airlines.
Vision as been seeking for a strategy that will fit its model, as it looks to be successful in the scheduled passenger service market. The airline threw a bunch of destinations in an attempt to create a “hub” in Destin, Fla. last year. Most recently, Vision flew government sponsored flights to Freeport, Bahamas before losing that contract to Bahamasair.
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Now, Vision is hoping to create a successful base where Hooters Air and Direct Air failed to survive in the past.
Vision announced last week that it will be launching service from Myrtle Beach to eight destinations, including Cincinnati, Ohio; Cleveland, Ohio; Toledo, Ohio; Columbus, Ohio; Indianapolis, Ind.; Louisville, Ky.; Nashville, Tenn.; and Springfield, Ill. All destinations will see twice weekly service on Vision’s Boeing 737 aircraft beginning as early as May 31.
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“We are excited to welcome Vision Airlines to MYR and we are confident that the markets that they’ve chosen will provide terrific opportunities for both Vision Airlines and our destination,” said Mike La Pier, Director of Airports, MYR. “It’s been our goal, along with the Chamber and Golf Holiday, to continue to work to bring new visitors to our destination with increased air service. We are pleased to partner with Vision Air to introduce all that Myrtle Beach can offer to a new and much greater audience,” added La Pier in Vision’s press release.
One destination that was expected to be announced was Chicago Rockford International Airport.
According to the Rockford Register Star, the Rockford airport was approached for service to Myrtle Beach, but Vision wanted a revenue guarantee. That did not sit well with airport officials.
“We do not think it to be a good destination for us at this time,” said Mike Dunn, economic development and government affairs director at the airport.
Currently, Vision’s only other scheduled passenger service is been between St. Petersburg/Clearwater, Fla. and Gulfport, Miss.
