The Tribune

A Texas-based airline operator yesterday unveiled plans to offer scheduled charter service to five Bahamas destinations from Fort Lauderdale and one from New York.

Meregrass has partnered with IJet Charters, which is providing marketing and reservations for the scheduled charter.

Jim Swieter, founder of IJet , said the 30-passenger service will be unique to the market, offering all premium class seating and high-speed travel.

“Pricing will be competitive,” said Mr Swieter of the scheduled charter service, which is soon to be filed with the US Department of Transportation (DOT).

He said all flights must be filed with the DOT, and all advance tickets purchased go into bonded DOT escrow accounts.

“Our plans are to fly direct scheduled flights - April through August - from Fort Lauderdale to Marsh Harbour, Grand Bahama, Bimini, Georgetown and North Eleuthera,” Mr Swieter added.

“We also are looking to schedule a non-stop from New York to Marsh Harbour during that same high season.”

Mr Swieter said the scheduled charters will fly out of Sheltair at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International (FLL) airport, which will streamline the check-in process. Some return flights will arrive at FLL Terminal 4.

“This definitely will be the top-of–the-line service choice for all airlift currently servicing the Bahamas,” said Mr Swieter.

CAPTIONS

Photo A: Co-pilot Patrick McCoy, Meregrass; Jim Swieter, IJet Charters; Captain T.D. McMeans, Meregrass; Beth Watson, IJet Charters; and Brandy Patton, Meregrass

Photo B: Captain T.D. McMeans and co-pilot Patrick McCoy

Photo C: Saab 2000

Photo D: Passenger cabin area of Saab 2000

Photo E: Bahamas Tourism Office officials join with flight crew from Meregrass and IJet executives at Sheltair at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International for test flight to Marsh Harbour for the new Saab 2000 premium class scheduled charter service.