Runways Orlando

(Messenger-Inquirer (Owensboro, KY) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Nov. 11–Mickey Mouse just got a lot closer to Owensboro.

Las Vegas-based Allegiant Air LLC announced plans Tuesday to begin non-stop jet service from Owensboro to Orlando on Feb. 18.

The airline will offer an introductory fare of $69 each way, John Fenyes, director of sales, told a morning news conference in the lobby of Owensboro-Daviess County Regional Airport.

Tickets can be purchased at that price until Dec. 3, he said. They must be used by April 30.

After that, Fenyes said, prices will rise to $89 each way.

Dr. Andrew Ward, a member of the airport board, said the arrival of Allegiant’s 150-seat jets in February will mark the first commercial jet service to the airport.

“It’s a momentous occasion,” said Airport Director George Smith.

Fenyes said the Owensboro-to-Orlando service will feature flights on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Flights will leave Owensboro at 9:20 a.m. on each of those days and arrive at Orlando Sanford International Airport at 12:20 p.m. Eastern time.

Flights leaving Orlando will depart at 7:35 a.m. Eastern time and arrive in Owensboro at 8:40 a.m., Fenyes said.

The flights take two hours.

“Even the drive to the Evansville airport is an hour,” Fenyes said. “We’ll have people in Orlando in two.”

The fact that the Owensboro airport has an 8,000 foot runway and little air traffic helped Allegiant choose Owensboro over other cities in the region.

Fenyes said 1.3 million people live within 75 miles of Owensboro — the area that Allegiant will be targeting with its advertising.

“It’s wonderful to finally have an airline,” said Karen Miller, executive director of the Owensboro-Daviess County Convention & Visitors Bureau. “We hope people will come in and spend the night before their flights.”

There are a number of places which are recommended for meeting arriving passengers:

1. In the Express Pick-Up location underneath the main terminal
2. Under the Flight Information Display Boards in either the East Hall (Hotel Atrium) for gates 60-129, or the West Hall (Great Hall) for gates 1-59
3. By the fountain in the East Hall (Hotel Atrium), which is surrounded with benches
4. In the baggage claim area for the airline being flown.  Please check here to determine which baggage claim is used by each airline
5. On the Arrivals/Baggage Claim Curb (Level 2) outside baggage claim (please note that cars may not be stationary in this area unless actively loading/unloading passengers and/or baggage, therefore please allow at least 20 minutes after aircraft arrival time to allow for passengers to transfer to the main terminal, and exit the baggage claim area)
6. In one of the restaurants or bars in the Main Terminal
7. In McCoy’s Bar & Grill, Hemispheres Restaurant, or the lobby of the Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport at the east end of the Main Terminal

Please see the Airport Terminal page or the Arrivals Walkthrough page of the web site to find these locations.

Picking up passengers at the Arrivals/Baggage Claim Curb (Level 2) outside the main terminal is still permitted; however, vehicles may not be stationary in these locations unless actively loading/unloading passengers and/or baggage.  Therefore please use the FREE! Cell Phone Lot and allow at least 20 minutes after aircraft arrival time (30 minutes if passenger has checked baggage) to allow for passengers to transfer to the main terminal, and exit the baggage claim area.  To determine on which side of the terminal (A or B) your airline operates, please visit the Airlines page.