THE SHOALS – Airport Director, Barry Griffith announced late this afternoon that the Federal Department of Transportation has awarded San Francisco-based Boutique Air, the contract to provide scheduled service from North Alabama Regional Airport. Service is likely to begin mid-February, 2016.
“We are dealing with a different air carrier this time,” says Griffith, “Boutique Air has a high level of expertise in operating from small regional airports, as well as providing charter air service.” The airline was founded in 2007. It operated its first scheduled service in 2013, and has been operating under the DOT’s “Essential Air Service” program since 2014.
Airport Director Barry Griffith
Griffith says that Boutique plans to offer something really special for Shoals fliers. The company intends to operate 2 flights each weekday to Atlanta’s Hartsfield International Airport, and 2 flights each weekday to Nashville. Griffith told the Quad-Cities Daily that the airline is excited about coming to the Shoals, and they believe that providing service to these 2 major airports is the key to a successful business model. On Saturday and Sunday, the plans are for a single flight-and-return each day to each city.
Boutique Air has committed to using Pilatus PC-12, single turboprop-powered aircraft. The company says these birds are beautiful, fast and very safe. The Pilatus PC-12 is a product of Swiss aircraft manufacturer Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. The company, founded in 1939, has built more than 1,200 PC-12 aircraft since the first model’s introduction in 1994. Recognized for its world-class engineering and safety ratings, the PC-12 continues to be a very popular choice with charter and scheduled air carriers.
Pilatus PC-12
In describing the Pilatus PC-12, they say, “Our aircraft have amenities designed to make the flying experience as comfortable as it gets, including leather seats, power outlets, and an enclosed lavatory. Second in comfort only to your living room. In addition to the quiet design to the PC-12 out of the factory, Boutique Air added custom soundproofing to its aircraft cabin, making it one of the most quiet cabins you can fly in. Avoid the loud noises of commercial aircraft, arrive at your destination well-rested.”
Readers may visit the Boutique Air website by clicking HERE.
Selection Order – Muscle Shoals, AL – December 11, 2015 (1)
