Airline expands service into Central Valley

MERCED

September 29, 2015 4:31am

•  Boutique Air to fly from Merced to Los Angeles, Oakland and Las Vegas

•  “We look forward to creating the same success story in the Central Valley”

Merced regains scheduled airline service in October when Boutique Air Inc. of San Francisco begins service between Merced Regional Airport and Los Angeles, Oakland, and Las Vegas. Service from Merced to Los Angeles International Airport and Oakland International Airport is set to begin Oct. 5. Service to McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas is to begin Nov. 1.

The airline was recently awarded the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Essential Air Service contract to provide service between Merced and the three destinations. “We are excited to bring Boutique Air service to the community of Merced and the surrounding areas,” says airline CEO Shawn Simpson. “Our focus on customer service and reliability has resulted in strong demand for our service in other markets, and we look forward to creating the same success story in the Central Valley.”

Fares will start at an introductory rate of $49 from Merced to Los Angeles, $19 from Merced to Oakland and $69 from Merced to Las Vegas. The schedule will feature two daily round trips between Merced and Los Angeles, three daily roundtrip flights between Merced and Oakland, and one daily round trip from Merced to Las Vegas.

Boutique Air operates a modern fleet of Swiss-made Pilatus PC12 aircraft. The PC12 features reclining leather seats in an executive configuration, power outlets, a pressurized cabin, enclosed lavatory, and a top speed of 300 mph. The airline will hold a ribbon cutting celebration Monday, Oct. 5 at Merced Regional Airport. The event will kick off at 11:00 a.m. and will feature free flight giveaways, plane tours, food, and photo opportunities.

Boutique Air currently services routes in Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Colorado, Nebraska, and now California and Nevada. Additional routes will be starting soon in Mississippi and Tennessee.

http://www.centralvalleybusinesstimes.com/stories/001/?ID=29141