Expansion in New York inaugurates OneJet Plus Service, providing larger aircraft and enhanced service amenities on select routes.
BUFFALO, N.Y. – For more than seven years, air service between Buffalo and Albany has been suspended, forcing travelers to make the 280-mile trip by car. OneJet, the air transportation network that provides consumers increased access to nonstop travel in small and medium markets, today announced it will offer twice-daily nonstop service between the two cities, reducing travel time to less than an hour. Flights will begin on Thursday, Feb. 1, 2018 and ticket sales will be available for the route on Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2018.
With the launch of the Buffalo/Albany route, OneJet will introduce its new OneJet Plus service, offering expanded service onboard larger ERJ135 aircraft and providing travelers enhanced amenities, including expanded legroom at each seat; complimentary 4G high-speed Wi-Fi; streaming entertainment gate to gate; and complimentary beer, wine and snacks en route. Travelers will also receive the same check-in conveniences that standard OneJet flights provide, including TSA Pre access for eligible travelers and valet planeside baggage service.
The new route will serve as a key productivity tool for business travelers in the region, including those for launch customers M&T Bank and HealthNow New York Inc., the state's leading health benefits company, providing health insurance plans for companies and individuals in Western New York.
"Air service between Buffalo and Albany was presented as a mission-critical route for the Upstate New York business community, and we're pleased to offer this new nonstop service to meet that demand," said Matthew Maguire, OneJet CEO. "Our expansion in Western New York also marks a significant milestone for us as we introduce the OneJet Plus product to the market, providing an expanded platform to serve highly demanded routes throughout our network. We look forward to working with our airport partners in Buffalo and Albany to serve travelers based in both cities."
The OneJet Plus–branded ERJ135 aircraft will offer a comfortable 30 seat cabin for the 55-minute gate-to-gate service, with convenient morning and afternoon flights Monday through Friday.
"We are thrilled to welcome OneJet to the Buffalo Niagara International Airport family," said Kimberley Minkel, executive director of the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA). "Our aviation team, led by William Vanecek, worked diligently to make this happen, and we applaud Gov. Andrew Cuomo for his unwavering support of economic development in Western New York. The addition of this service reflects the expansive economic growth happening in our area and the need for direct flights from Buffalo to Albany."
"The return of Buffalo to Albany air service is a testament to our efforts to revitalize the Western New York economy that will only add to the momentum of this region's renaissance," Gov. Cuomo said. "OneJet is a brand new airline to the Queen City, one that caters to people who want to get their business done quickly and go back home to their families. We welcome the expanded service this company will provide and look forward to building upon it even further as we continue to move Western New York forward."
The economy in Buffalo has grown about 6 percent since 2010. In recent years, the region has attracted major companies, including Tesla and Panasonic, and offers a competitive talent pool that's leading more businesses to expand or land in the area. Increased flight accessibility for business travelers is crucial for many of the fastest-growing regional markets throughout the U.S.
"The Albany County Airport Authority has a long-standing commitment to invest in air service that matches the developing requirements of our business community," said the Rev. Kenneth Doyle, chairman of the authority. "OneJet's decision to provide a convenient connection between Albany and Buffalo recognizes the vitality of today's business environment across New York State."
John D. Porcari, former U.S. deputy secretary and senior adviser to OneJet, added, "Demand for accessible, convenient nonstop air service is a critical priority for local civic leaders and businesses. We look forward to working with NFTA and the Albany County Airport Authority to provide a much-needed nonstop transportation option that helps travelers maximize their workday and gain back personal time from long commutes."
With flights beginning on Feb. 1, 2018, OneJet will offer twice-daily round-trip flights between the Buffalo Niagara International Airport and Albany International Airport. All flights are subject to customary DOT approvals.
- BUF to ALB: departing 7:00 a.m. ET; arriving 7:55 a.m. ET
- ALB to BUF: departing 8:20 a.m. ET; arriving 9:20 a.m. ET
- BUF to ALB: departing 4:50 p.m. ET; arriving 5:45 p.m. ET
- ALB to BUF: departing 6:10 p.m. ET; arriving 7:10 p.m. ET
OneJet opened its first base in Pittsburgh in May 2016 with two daily flights. The company now offers over 220 weekly flights to and from its operating bases in Pittsburgh and Milwaukee, with weekday flights to Albany, Cincinnati, Columbus, Hartford, Indianapolis, Louisville, Omaha, Providence and Richmond. OneJet provides exclusive nonstop service to and from these markets, offering fast and convenient links for business travelers.
Angelos is the news editor for TravelDailyNews Media Network (traveldailynews.gr, traveldailynews.com and traveldailynews.asia). His role includes to monitor the hundrends of news sources of TravelDailyNews Media Network and skim the most important according to our strategy.
He currently studies Communication, Media & Culture in Panteion University of Political & Social Studies of Athens.
