ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. — (Note: The video above is from a previous related report.)
Travelers heading to the New York City area will soon have a new option for flying directly from the First Coast.
Elite Airways announced a new direct route from St. Augustine's Northeast Florida Regional Airport to Newark Liberty International Airport. The flight marks the return of commercial air service at the airport, serving St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra Beach and the greater Jacksonville area.
The Newark airport services the tri-state area and New York City. Flights begin Nov. 19 and will operate twice weekly, on Mondays and Fridays, departing Newark at 11 a.m. and arriving in St. Augustine at 1:15 p.m., then departing St. Augustine at 2 p.m. and arriving in Newark at 3:50 p.m.
The planes include a fleet of Bombardier CRJ-200, CRJ-700 and CRJ-900 jet airliners with 50, 70 and 90 seats respectively, the airline said in a news release. The jets are "known for comfort and efficiency," with no middle seats, and passengers will receive free onboard snacks and beverages, free seat assignments, free first checked bag up to 50 pounds and no ticketing change fees, the release says.
The airline is also pet friendly.
Tickets are on sale now and start at $129 each way. To purchase tickets, you can call 1-877-373-2910 or visit EliteAirways.com.
"The airport has a history of developing new ways to get in and out of the city," said Bruce Maguire, Chairman of the St. Johns County Airport Authority. "Our Airport Authority is committed to building airline relationships and working to enhance the access points to our region.”