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Mixer toasts July 1 launch date of daily direct flights to Chicago
VIENNA
The July 1 launch of daily flights from Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport to Chicago O’Hare International Airport by Great Lakes Jet Express has people excited locally and beyond.
The airlines’ new logo, Great Lakes Jet Express, operated by ADI Aerodynamics, was introduced Thursday at a Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber after-hours mixer in the airport lobby at 1453 Youngstown-Kingsville Road (state Route 193) in Vienna.
Daily service has been absent from airport for 14 years. Now there will be daily flights to O’Hare, making connections to more than 130 destinations, said Dan Dickten, YNG’s director of aviation.
“Now, our community is connected to the rest of the world,” he added.
Two flights will fly out of YNG on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays, and one flight will fly Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Direct flights to Chicago can be booked at www.flygreatlakes.com. Passengers wanting to book connecting flights can do so on third-party sites such as Expedia, Hotwire, Justfly, Kayak, Orbitz and Travelocity or by calling 800-433-7300.
Dickten said the new service has the potential not only to give local businesses an easier way to connect to their distant markets, but also to tap into new markets in the United States and overseas.
“By giving our clients a nearby airport like YNG that they can fly into shows those markets that the Youngstown/Warren region is serious about doing business,” Dickten said.
Having daily flights is convenient and less expensive not only for business client ®le, but for anyone flying out of or into the Youngstown/Warren region.
It means area people won’t have to take the time to drive to Pittsburgh or Cleveland to catch flights to Chicago and the world, and will save money on parking at YNG, which is less than half the cost at larger airports, Dickten said.
In the past, flying out of Pittsburgh or Cleveland meant more available direct flights. Now, however, the chance of getting direct flights out of those airports is slim, he said.
“So why not get a connecting flight out of YNG?” Dickten asked.
Frequent fliers from outside the immediate area have found the Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport and say they like it.
“I love flying out of here. It is very convenient,” said Terri Thomas of Ravenna, waiting to board a flight to St. Petersburg, Fla.
“Isn’t it great we can fly direct to Chicago?” said Carole McDonough of Liberty, a retired Youngstown City Schools librarian who attended the mixer.
“I like to go places. This eliminates the hassle of driving to Pittsburgh or Cleveland. This is perfect,” she said.
“If you can’t get to Chicago, you can’t get anywhere,” Pat McLean of Howland, a Northwood Realty Services real-estate agent.
Justin Bellas of Tampa, Fla., was met at YNG on Thursday by his parents, Nick and Angie Bellas of Warren.
“It’s very convenient and the airport is easy to get in and out of,” said Justin, who is home to visit his family.