CARLSBAD — McClellan-Palomar Airport has just been added to the nation’s first “All-You-Can-Fly” private membership service, Surf Air.
The airline allows members to pay a monthly fee for unlimited flights throughout the west, including service to Las Vegas, Santa Barbara and Truckee and Tahoe.
Oakland was also added to the roster thanks to the delivery of three new Pilatus PC-12NG aircraft to Surf Air. The airline ordered 65 aircraft, which officials expect to receive over the next five years.
“Both markets are largely underserved by commercial carriers and hot spots for California-based business and leisure travelers,” Jeff Potter, CEO of Surf Air, said of the additions to Carlsbad and Oakland. “We intend to continue to expand to new markets with similar characteristics that benefit our existing membership base.”
Members pay $1,750 per month for unlimited flights and can purchase companion passes for $650 per one-way flight.
Service to McClellan-Palomar Airport begins Nov. 18. Non-stop service will be available to San Carlos in Northern California, and Santa Barbara. Connecting service to Oakland and Las Vegas will begin Jan. 12, 2015.
“We are creating a growth model that is dictated by demand from savvy consumers and making private air travel affordable to a greater number of travelers,” Executive Chairman of Surf Air, Sudhin Shahani, said
The Carlsbad airport was chosen because Surf Air’s current members expressed interest in the airport and because company officials believe there is potential in the area for the sign up of new members.
Carlsbad has a large cluster of life sciences, technology, action sports and renewable energy companies.
