Flying to the New York City area is getting a little easier for many Treasure Coast residents.
A direct flight offered by Elite Airways from Vero Beach Regional Airport to Newark begins Thursday.
The inaugural incoming flight from Newark to Vero Beach will have a steel beam from the World Trade Center. The airline volunteered to fly the beam of the 9/11 attack to Florida.
The beam will then be picked up at the airport by members of the Melbourne Fire Department and then escorted by the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office to the Liberty Bell Memorial Museum in Melbourne.
“With a new home in central Florida, the commemorative beam will provide Floridians a piece of our country’s past to act as a reminder of the tragedy and sacrifices that were made that day,” said John Pearsall, the president of Elite Airways.
Flights between Vero Beach and Newark are available Thursdays and Sundays. Fares start at $149 each way.
The airline said in late October that “consumer demand has been strong and several flights are already sold out.”
“We look forward to welcoming all of the travelers already scheduled to fly here from the New York, New Jersey and Connecticut areas,” said Vero Beach Airport Director Eric Menger. “I know many residents of Vero Beach who used to endure long commutes to either West Palm Beach or Orlando International Airport are excited about traveling on Elite during the holidays.”
Founded in 2006, Elite offers service throughout the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Caribbean and South America. The airline’s routes connect underserved communities with popular destinations including New York City, Denver, Houston, Branson, Orlando, Cocoa Beach, Port Canaveral, Naples and Marco Island.