My favorite writer made me smile today with her references to my airline, “Air Wings” (www.FlyWingsAir.com). Today’s traveler is truly frustrated and seeks respite from the aggravation and hassles associated with commercial air travel. To that end, “Wings Air” exists. Our company was founded on the idea that air travel could be enjoyable again. Wealthy people have long known the advantages of private air travel, and been willing to pay the additional costs of charter service. “Wings Air” offers the luxuries of this type of transportation without the exorbitant costs. Air fares to Charleston, SC, Destin, Florida, St. Simons Island, GA, and Hilton Head Island, SC (on our airline) rival those of commercial carriers with one big exception: NO BIG AIRPORT HASSLES! Commercial airline travel is slowing to a crawl because of flight consolidation, congestion around airports, and, of course, today’s subject: security. Increased security is a fact of life when it comes to this kind of travel. We are stuck with it. The “Wings-Air” alternative in our area of the country is made possible because we don’t fly from big airports. We are not encumbered by security as is mandated today in commercial terminals. The flight personnel come into direct contact with each and every passenger on our flights. Typically, those people that would like to cause harm on board an airliner would want to be very inconspicuous, blend in with all of the rest, if you like. There can be no “blending in” on our flights. There are only 7 passenger seats available, and the kind of person that might want to do something bad would stand out like a sore thumb. Their luggage is subject to handling and scrutiny up close as well. Suspicious cargo is easily caught. Frankly, I can’t imagine why anyone would want to try to use a small plane to commit a terrorist act anyway. We just wouldn’t make that big of an impact. So logic by itself indicates a safer flight. We get questions every day about the safety of smaller, general aviation aircraft as opposed to airliners. Our smaller aircraft are crewed by very experienced pilots and enjoy an excellent safety record. The pilot in command has demonstrated his/or her proficiency to the FAA every six months as long as he has flown charter aircraft. The airplanes are maintained to a very high standard. Safety concerns are not really an issue. Another carrier in the northeast, which was truly our business model (Cape Air) has been flying the same type of equipment for 12+ years and has an exemplary safety record and each year over 600,000 passengers fly from Logan Airport to Hyannis, Nantucket, and Martha’s Vineyard regularly. The proof is in the pudding! Just for fun, let me describe the typical “Wings Air” experience. Obviously there is no need to describe the painful commercial experience. We have ALL been there!A Wings passenger typically arrives at the airport about 5-10 minutes prior to the departure time that THEY asked for. Baggage is loaded from their car right into the aircraft by flight and ground personnel. Their beverage requests have already been filled by our base attendants, and as soon as all of the passengers have arrived, they board the aircraft. A short safety briefing is conduc with the passengers by the pilot, and subsequently the plane departs. An hour and fifteen minutes later, our passengers have enjoyed a fast trip to the beach in leather seats, and air conditioned comfort. The typical air traveler going through the commercial airport is still in line at the security desk. Gotta love that security! Come fly with us sometime Ilana! (www.FlyWingsAir.com
Letter of the Week: 'Flying Free' With 'Wings Air'
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