Elite Airways announced today the launch of air service at the Northeast Florida Regional Airport. Beginning July 20, 2018, Elite Airways will operate flights between Rochester, Minnesota (RST) and St. Augustine, Florida (UST). The new service route is designed to connect the Mayo Clinic headquarters in Rochester, MN and the major campuses in Northeast Florida, with twice-weekly nonstop jet service.
“Elite Airways is pleased to start service in St. Augustine, one of the most historic and picturesque towns in northeastern Florida, with twice-weekly nonstop service to Rochester, MN,” said John Pearsall, President of Elite Airways. “Elite appreciates the value of flying to and from one’s hometown airport with fewer lines and wait times, and believes this route will be embraced by both business and leisure travelers, as well as Mayo Clinic staff, patients and families who wish to fly nonstop between these two prominent campus locations. We look forward to a successful start of service in July and hope that ridership will be strong, such that we can explore adding additional routes at Northeast Regional Airport later in the year.”
“Mayo Clinic operates as one Mayo Clinic with three destination sites, so our staff often travel between Mayo locations in Jacksonville and Rochester, Minnesota,” said Gianrico Farrugia, M.D., vice president of Mayo Clinic and CEO of Mayo Clinic in Florida. “Direct flights provide an exciting new opportunity for Mayo Clinic staff to conveniently connect.” Elite Airways is a full-service airline. It will operate a CRJ-700 jet on the route, seating 70 people in a comfortable two-by-two seating configuration. Elite Airways passengers receive free onboard snacks and beverages, a free first checked bag up to 50 pounds, and there are no ticketing change fees.
“We are delighted to welcome Elite Airways’ scheduled service to our airport,” said Ed Wuellner, Executive Director of the St. Augustine – St. Johns County Airport Authority. “The new service will serve as an important business route for our region and also help attract new tourists to the area.”
“Everyone in Florida’s Historic Coast’s tourism community will embrace Elite Airways’ new non-stop air service,” stated Richard Goldman, President & Chief Executive Officer, St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches Visitors & Convention Bureau. “The new service will introduce the many authentic, unique experiences in St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra and the Beaches to the people of southern Minnesota and southwestern Wisconsin. In its first year, it will bring new overnight St. Augustine – St. Johns County Airport Authority visitors who are expected to contribute more than $4.6 million dollars in direct spending to our local economy.”
You can check fares and schedules at www.eliteairways.com, or by calling (877) 393-2510. You can also book your trip through most travel websites or your travel agent.
