09/09/2013

Sept. 9, 2013 — Ultimate Air Shuttle will launch its first flight from CVG today amid much fanfare, offering the airport’s passengers a premium option that has become very popular with the region’s business travelers.

The first flight to New York City via Morristown Airport, NJ, is scheduled for takeoff at 10:45 a.m. from the Ultimate Air Shuttle Facility near the CVG Administration Building, west of the main terminal.

Ultimate Air now offers four-day-a-week service from CVG. Ultimate Air’s 30-seat Dornier 328 Jet will fly Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. The price for a round-trip ticket is $695 and a one way ticket is $395.  These ticket prices include all applicable taxes and fees.

Several dignitaries will attend today’s inaugural flight for a celebration, ribbon cutting and water cannon salute, where plumes of water will be shot over the plane, forming water arches. Water salutes are often used to mark the first or last flight of an airline, among other significant events.

“This is a great day for Ultimate Air, CVG and the region’s traveling public,” said Rick Pawlak, managing director of Ultimate Air Shuttle. “This is our opportunity to expand our Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky offering and show our commitment to this region. We believe the high level of service Ultimate Air provides is a perfect match for an airport that has been named Best Regional Airport in North America three straight years.”

James Huff, chairman of the Kenton County Airport Board, said “Ultimate Air brings a new business model to CVG. A public charter with VIP-level service. We know our passengers are looking for diversity when it comes to travel and this gives them something new to consider on their next trip.”

Ultimate Air is a public charter. Public charters have fewer restrictions than commercial flights and come with VIP-level service. For example, Ultimate Air Shuttle provides a level of service that exceeds minimum Department of Transportation requirements, including late check in up to 15 minutes before departure, no cancellation penalty for changes made up to 24 hours in advance, concierge service for taxis and rental cars and no fees for parking, baggage and in-flight refreshments.

The VIP service at CVG will include complimentary covered parking adjacent to the CVG Administration Building and quick boarding without filing through a Transportation Security Administration checkpoint. The Ultimate Air Shuttle Facility will include comfortable leather furniture, free Wi-Fi, cable television and free refreshments.

Candace McGraw, chief executive officer at CVG, said she hopes the New York flight is just the beginning.

“We know Ultimate is flying to other markets and targeting new markets and we want to be a part of any expansion that takes place,” she said. “The company’s business model is very popular and we want this partnership to grow. It benefits Ultimate, CVG and our traveling community.”

Ultimate Air Shuttle will offer the following schedule from CVG:  flights depart CVG on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursday at 10:45 a.m. and land at the Morristown, New Jersey Airport at 12:15 p.m. Ultimate Air Shuttle will leave Morristown at 8:30 a.m. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, landing at CVG at 10 a.m.

On Wednesdays, the flights will depart CVG at 6:30 a.m. and land in Morristown at 8:05 a.m. The return flight leaves Morristown at 5:15 p.m. and lands at CVG at 7 p.m.

Once in Morristown, travelers have the option of buying a round-trip shuttle to New York City’s Penn Station for $69.99.

Round-trip tickets can be purchased at www.ultimateairshuttle.com or by calling 800-437-3931, with 24-hour phone support.

Ultimate Air, which also flies out of Lunken Airport in Cincinnati, will offer ground transportation between CVG, Fountain Square and Lunken for those passengers who use both airports or want a downtown drop-off at no cost.  The Mercedes Sprinter that will be used for this service is provided by Mercedes-Benz of Ft. Mitchell.