Independence Air Celebrates Two Milestones
Low-fare airline
Independence Air is proud to celebrate its first anniversary
today—marking one year since America’s newest low-fare airline began
service from its hub at Washington Dulles International Airport. In addition,
Independence Air also greeted its five millionth passenger during a ceremony
yesterday at Washington Dulles.On the morning of June 16, 2004, the first Independence Air flights took
off from Washington to five destinations—Atlanta, Newark, Boston,
Raleigh/Durham and Chicago. From that date forward, the airline completed the
largest-ever rollout of new service in U.S. aviation history—eventually
bringing low-fare flights to 45 total destinations in the span of less than
eleven months, with a daily schedule that now includes over 400 departures.
In commemorating the anniversary, Independence Air Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer Kerry Skeen said, “We remain humbled by the warm and
welcoming response we’ve received from all of the communities we serve, as
well as from the millions of customers who’ve flown with us so far. They have
been extremely generous in their praise of our service and our people, and
that’s a great reward for all the hard work we’ve put in during this first
year.” He added, “On the occasion of this anniversary I especially want to
thank all 3,800 of our employees. They’ve created a new airline brand that
stands for something very meaningful—real service, delivered by genuine,
enthusiastic people and low fares that make it possible to travel even more
often than ever before. I could not be more proud of all our people and their
dedication to the values that have made Independence Air a very different kind
of airline.”
5,000,000th Passenger
During a ceremony held yesterday, Michael Paquin of Manassas, VA was
honored as Independence Air’s five millionth passenger. He was boarding
flight 1817 from Washington Dulles to Detroit—his ninth Independence Air
trip over the past year—when he was unexpectedly greeted by a team of
Independence Air employees for the surprise ceremony. Mr. Paquin was awarded
with a special prize package, including a free roundtrip for his entire family
of six to any of Independence Air’s 45 destinations across the U.S.
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