Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) announced last week that Vacation Express will return its Caribbean hub operation to Orlando Sanford on April 23, 2004. Under the terms of a recently executed seven year agreement, flights will operate every Friday, Saturday, and Monday using 148-seat 737 aircraft. Cities served by Vacation Express, and available for immediate purchase include: Aruba, Cancun, Liberia-Costa Rica, and Punta Cana and Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic.Gantt Cookson, Vice President of Operations for Vacation Express, remarked on the new service, “We are delighted to once again bring more visitors to Orlando and also offer the only regular nonstops in Central Florida to Aruba, Cancun, Liberia, Punta Cana, and Puerto Plata. We are convinced the economics and location of Orlando Sanford are hard to beat, and look forward to building strong ties with the community.“Larry Gouldthorpe, President of TBI Airport Management, Inc. at Orlando Sanford commented on the good news, “For the past 14 months, we have been in continuous contact with Vacation Express regarding the hub at Orlando Sanford. It is satisfying to see our efforts rewarded. Going forward, we will be every bit as conscientious about the services we deliver to Vacation Express and their passengers. Great service at low cost will continue to be our hallmark as we work closely with Vacation Express to develop their product.“Along with an estimated 250,000 new annual passengers, Vacation Express’ presence will add approximately 2,400 commercial airline operations per year at the airport which is already experiencing blistering growth in the domestic air service arena.“This new agreement with Vacation Express will solidify Orlando Sanford’s role in the Central Florida commercial service market. It will, no doubt, act as an additional catalyst for future development at the airport,” stated Larry Dale, President of the Sanford Airport Authority.
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