Taos Regional Airport Launches Air Service To Dallas, Austin
The Town of Taos today announced that the Taos Regional Airport will begin direct charter flight service to and from Austin International and Dallas-Love Field airports beginning December 20. The air service will be known as Taos Air and will be comparably priced to traditional commercial airlines.
The Taos Air launch follows the Taos Regional Airport's opening of its new crosswinds runway last August. The milestone event was the result of a thirty-year, $24,000,000 development process, in conjunction with the NM Department of Transportation's Aviation Division and the FAA.
"With the new runway in place, we are committed to positioning the Taos Regional Airport as an economic driver for Taos County and Northern New Mexico," said Daniel Barrone, Mayor, Town of Taos. "To that end, we are working with the state and our regional partners to develop and fund year-round, long-term air service. Improved accessibility to the area will provide opportunities to diversify the local and regional economy. Initiating seasonal air service with Taos Air is the first exciting step on that journey."
One stakeholder working with the Town of Taos to bring the new Taos Air charter service to the airport is Taos Ski Valley, Inc., which purchased a 30-passenger jet and entered into a management agreement with Ultimate Jet Charters to operate the new Taos Air service in and out of Taos Regional Airport.
"We're supportive of the Town's vision for the airport as a regional economic driver and premier tourist destination," said David Norden, CEO of Taos Ski Valley, Inc. "Taos Air will now offer the closest, fastest and easiest route to the Rockies from Texas, a thrilling development for skiers, snowboarders and outdoor enthusiasts from that region."
Starting December 20 and continuing through the end of March, Taos Air will begin direct charter flight service between Taos Regional Airport (TSM) and Austin International (AUS) and Dallas-Love Field (DAL) airports. Winter service will consist of one flight to and from each destination every Thursday, Saturday and Sunday or holiday Monday, for a total of six round trips per week.
Ticket prices for Taos Air charter flights will be comparable to traditional commercial flights, making it an accessible option for young people, families or retirees traveling to the Taos area.
The travel experience will be simpler than traditional commercial flights because of the direct flight nature of the charter operation. Additionally, Taos Ski Valley will provide complimentary ground shuttle service from the airport to and from its newest hotel, The Blake at Taos Ski Valley. In addition, Mountain View Shuttles will have rental cars available at the airport. Taos Ski Valley has partnered with NativeEnergy, a Certified B Corporation, to determine the carbon footprint of the Taos Air program and to purchase carbon offset credits.
