Published On: 04.20.18 | 

By: Kelli M. Dugan

Mobile lands Via Airlines, direct Orlando flights

Travelers now have the option to board Via Airlines for nonstop service from Mobile to Orlando. (Via Airlines)

Mobile’s newest air carrier is slated not only to open a direct route to one of the nation’s largest tourist destinations, but to tap a long-underserved market for business travelers. Beginning in May, Maitland, Florida-based Via Airlines will offer nonstop service four times a week between the Orlando Sanford International and Mobile Regional airports aboard its 50-passenger Embraer regional jets.

“We were trying to fill a void with a destination we didn’t have with Orlando, and this represents a good mix for business and leisure travel,” said Chris Curry, executive director of the Mobile Airport Authority, which oversees Mobile Regional, Mobile Downtown Airport at Brookley and Mobile Aeroplex at Brookley.

Via Airlines operates a fleet of Embraer ERJ-145s and 30-seat EMB-120s. (Via Airlines)

In addition to Via Airlines, Mobile Regional is served by American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines, which combine to serve nonstop destinations from the Port City to Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas and Houston. Curry said the airport authority’s current wish-list destinations include the Washington, D.C. area, New York area and Denver market.

The Via Airlines contract provides the Mobile region nonstop jet service to “all that Central Florida has to offer,” he said.  “Orlando is known as home of Disney World, but will also provide business travelers between Central Florida and Mobile with time and cost savings, which is invaluable in this global economy,” Curry said.

The deal inked with Mobile is part of the 2018 expansion of Via Airlines. (Via Airlines)

Matthew Macri, Via Airlines vice president of operations, said the Mobile deal is part of the carrier’s 2018 expansion plans and represents targeted developement of its niche market.

Via Airlines takes pride in being the airline of the hospitality industry. Our jet service to Mobile will move travelers to and from Florida far faster and more economically than local airport prop services or traveling by car. When flying with us you are truly our guest, not just a passenger,” Macri said.

Mobile Airport Authority Board Chairman Elliot Maisel said the newest addition signals continued growth and improved service for Mobile area travelers.

“The mission of the Mobile Airport Authority is to facilitate and provide premium air service to the citizens of the greater Mobile area. The confidence expressed in Mobile by Via Airlines is a great step forward for our area. We look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship between the citizens of the greater Mobile area and Via Airlines,” Maisel said.

Although Mobile Regional Airport will service Via Airlines’ initial flights to and from the Port City, the carrier has expressed public interest in becoming the first to offer commercial service to and from Mobile Downtown Airport at Brookley. Commercial service is now provided exclusively by Mobile Regional with the downtown terminal servicing primarily private flights, shipping companies and Mobile’s thriving aerospace cluster reinvigorating Brookley.

The Via Airlines flight from Mobile to Orlando carries up to 50 passengers. (Via Airlines)

The shifting of some commercial flights downtown has long been discussed as a means of improving convenience for passengers disenchanted with Mobile Regional’s location on the westernmost edge of the city, but a feasibility study into the shift will not be complete until around the first of June, Curry said.

At least in the short term, the new Orlando-bound flights each Sunday, Monday, Thursday and Friday will have limited, introductory discounted fares available by visiting https://www.flyviaair.com/ or by calling 800-565-5042. Curry said potential carriers discuss market entry four to five times a year and Mobile is routinely viewed as competitive in its pricing.

“I think Mobile is priced fairly similar to other airports of its size. We are viewed as a business market, and our prices are somewhat geared toward the business traveler as opposed to the leisure traveler. So just like every other airport, we are always looking to increase competition to bring down prices,” Curry said.

Founded in 1997, Via Airlines is a domestic airline offering daily scheduled flights across the United States and was the first airline to be certified under the Federal Aviation Administration’s new safety regulations, ensuring the highest level of safety in the aviation industry. The airline operates a fleet of 50-seat Embraer ERJ-145s and 30-seat EMB-120s.