Primaris Airlines
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
 |
||
| Primaris Airlines | ||
|---|---|---|
| IATA FE |
ICAO WCP |
Callsign WHITECAP |
| Founded | 2002 | |
| Fleet size | 2 | |
| Destinations | New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles (Launch) | |
| Headquarters | 375 E Warm Springs Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89119 USA |
|
| Key people | Mark Morris, Kary Lewis, James Douglas | |
| Website: http://www.flyprimaris.com | ||
Primaris Airlines is a FAA certified Part 121 airline based in the United States of America that achieved certification in June 2004 as a Domestic, Flag and supplemental operator, and plans to begin operating scheduled flights sometime in 2007. The airline is based in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The airline pitches its scheduled service product as "for professionals only" and its service as "professional class", aiming to offer luxurious accommodations on its planes at a non-first class price.[1] The airline plans to target budget minded business travellers, with two-by-two seating, flexible meal service, laptop power, on-board Internet access, and other such premium services. The charter product is tailored to the charter customer.
Contents |
[edit] History
Primaris was Boeing's first US airline customer for its new 787 aircraft, with an order for 20 aircraft. Primaris planned to use these aircraft to expand its services internationally, but cancelled their intent to purchase the new Boeing aircraft in June 2006 (according to the Seattle Times July 06, 2006). No reason was given for the 787 order cancelation. No information has been made public on make or type of other new aircraft to be used. It is speculated that negotiations are in progress with Airbus and/or a re-negotation with Boeing aircraft.
[edit] Destinations
Currently operating for Santa Barbara Airlines between Miami and Caracas, Venezuela.
A second aircraft is operating on routes to New York, Port of Spain, Georgetown, and Fort Lauderdale.
As of November 1st, Primaris is flying charter from Oakland to Mexico. This operation has been operated on Primaris' behalf by another carrier.
[edit] News
Achieved 180 minute ETOPS certification November 3, 2006.
[edit] Expansion Plans
Scheduled Service Funding will determine actual timelines.
- 2007 routes: New York John F. Kennedy International Airport to Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, and Atlanta
- Second Quarter, 2008 routes: New York to Denver, Dallas, and London
- Fourth Quarter, 2008 routes: New York to Manchester, Amsterdam, and Frankfurt
Due to lack of scheduled service funding Primaris Airlines remains a small charter airline. Interest in the mid level market remains high, with proof of concept being demonstrated by other niche market airlines in Europe.
[edit] Fleet
| Type | Engines | Number | Seats | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boeing 757-200 | Pratt & Whitney | 1 | 170 | On wet lease to Santa Barbara Airlines |
| Boeing 757-200 | Rolls-Royce plc | 1 | 190 | Conducting charter operations on the East coast and Caribbean. Based in New York - Kennedy. |
[edit] Notable charter activity
- The White House travel office used the airline to fly the press corps to Bush events during the 2004 Presidential Campaign.
- Has operated for TNT Vacations from Boston-Punta Cana, and Boston-Cancún.
- Santa Barbara Airlines has renewed lease contract.
