Elite Airways launches new route between Florida and Newark
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Editor’s note: This post has been updated with new information.
New York-area travelers now have a new way to get to the Northeast Florida coast and vice-versa.
Last week, Elite Airways, the Maine-based Canadair Regional Jet operator, launched service between St. Augustine (UST) and Newark (EWR).
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Elite’s entrance into the market restores scheduled airline service to St. Augustine’s Northeast Florida Regional Airport, located 42 miles southeast of Jacksonville International (JAX).
Via Airlines last served the airport, which ended service to Charlotte (CLT) in 2018. Frontier also served the airport until 2017.
The new service operates with two weekly flights in each direction. Southbound flights depart on Mondays and Fridays, with an 11:30 a.m. departure out of EWR, arriving at UST at 1:45 p.m. Northbound flights depart on Tuesdays and Saturdays, with an 8 a.m. departure out of UST, arriving at EWR at 10:30 a.m. For the holidays, northbound flights will operate on Friday, Dec. 24 and Friday, Dec. 31 in lieu of the Saturday departures those weeks.
As the oldest continually inhabited European settlement in the continental U.S., St. Augustine is a city full of history, including the Castillo de San Marcos, a fort. It’s also an excellent destination for families.
“We believe passengers will enjoy the convenience of flying nonstop to and from St. Augustine for family vacations, weekend getaways, and major golfing events like the Players Championship in Ponte Vedra,” said John Pearsall, Elite’s president, in a statement.
“We are excited to welcome more visitors from New York and New Jersey as they explore the many authentic, unique experiences in St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra and the Beaches,” said Richard Goldman, president and CEO of St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches Visitors & Convention Bureau, in a statement.
More: Why St. Augustine is a way cooler family destination than you thought
St. Augustine is Elite’s third destination in Florida — it also flies between the Northeastern U.S. and Sarasota-Bradenton (SRQ) and, temporarily, Melbourne (MLB). Service will revert from Melbourne to Vero Beach (VRB), Elite’s normal base on the Central Florida coast, in the spring. The airline also offers seasonal service to Martha’s Vineyard (MVY) and Nantucket (ACK).
Tickets start at $129 each way and are bookable through Elite’s website. A ticket on Elite includes a free seat assignment, a free checked bag and snacks. Know that Elite does not participate in any frequent flyer programs and does not partner with other airlines.
Featured photo courtesy of Elite Airways
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