Warwick, March 3, 2016 . . . SATA – Azores Airlines has announced that it will be offering weekly seasonal service from Green Airport (PVD) to Ponta Delgada, Azores in July and August 2016 and is considering offering year-round service expected to commence in 2017. The seasonal flights will begin on Thursday, June 30, and will continue through Thursday, September 1, 2016. The flights will be offered on a 222 seat two-class Airbus 310 aircraft.
The Azores is comprised of a group of islands located in the mid-Atlantic and is a popular tourist destination not only for sightseeing, but for golfing, hiking and water sport enthusiasts. In describing the Azores, Diplomatic Connections, USA said, “The words ‘ISLAND PARADISE’ are not normally associated with the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. But if you combine the best of Hawaii, Iceland, New Zealand, and a few other far-flung countries, you’ll likely land on a bundle of subtropical islands midway between the United States, Europe and Africa.”
Peter Frazier, Interim President and CEO of the Rhode Island Airport Corporation (RIAC), that manages and operates Green Airport, said, “We are pleased to welcome the return of service to the Azores and expect this will be great news to our passengers who find it more convenient to fly from Green. When this service was suspended as a result of consolidation some years ago, our customers voiced concern with the loss of this popular route. We are happy to once again provide flights to one of our top requested international destinations”.
The Azores service from PVD is certain to appeal to families, who have emigrated to the United States, in particular those who have settled in parts of Rhode Island and Southeastern, Massachusetts that are closer to Green Airport.
Governor Gina Raimondo said, “Our state is already home to one of the best airports in the country, and new services continue to make T.F. Green even more attractive and accessible for our families, visitors, and businesses. Direct flights to the Azores strengthens the list of international destinations currently offered at Green Airport, and is a great addition for the many Rhode Islanders who travel to see their relatives. I am thrilled to see our airport continue to build on the successful introduction of flights added last summer to Frankfurt on Condor Airlines and to Cabo Verde on TACV.”
Jon Savage, RIAC Chairman, said, “Adding new destinations from Green Airport is a top focus for the RIAC team. Flights to the Azores has been a constant in our top unserved markets because of the high demand from our customers who lobbied for the return of this service. It is always gratifying for us to be able to successfully respond to that demand.”
Green (PVD), located 8 miles south of Providence in Warwick, Rhode Island, is the 3rd largest airport in New England, with a catchment area that attracts passengers from nearby Massachusetts and southeastern Connecticut. Almost two-thirds (64%) of New England’s population lives within 75 miles of Green, and 25% of the US population lives within 500 miles of PVD.
Airlines serving Green: American, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest and United. International service includes TACV, which flies year round from PVD to Cabo Verde and Condor Airlines with seasonal service to Frankfurt, Germany. Cargo carriers, Fed Ex and UPS, round out the service. MBTA commuter rail service connects PVD to Boston. Visit www.pvdairport.com
Contact:
Patti Goldstein, SVP Marketing and Communications
[email protected]
401-692-2272
