New American company Red Way has launched commercial operations. Initially, it will offer flights from Lincoln Airport (LNK), Nebraska, to Orlando (MCO), Minneapolis (MSP), Las Vegas (LAS), Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), Atlanta (ATL), Austin (AUS) and Nashville (BNA).
The company acts as a sales agent on behalf of GlobalX Air Tours: customers purchase their tickets through Red Way and then travel aboard Global Crossing Airlines (or GlobalX) aircraft.
The choice of Lincoln as the main location is curious, especially given the current low level of activity at the airport. In this regard, Ed Wegel, CEO of Global Crossing Airlines, had stated that the Nebraska capital and surrounding area «fosters an energy and sense of community that we knew would be critical to what we want to achieve».
«Lincoln’s size and continued growth are impressive and support a strong air service network», added Wegel.
See also: US DOT Approves Global Crossing Airlines Group’s Fleet Expansion
Red Way, a «virtual airline»
Red Way operates on the basis of wet leasing contracts: the company leases Airbus A320 or A321 aircraft, depending on demand, and their respective crews to Global Crossing Airlines.
This business model appears to be low risk. It does not require a very extensive business structure, as it does not include the incorporation of its own technical aeronautical staff.
The company markets tickets in the traditional way, through its official website or through travel agencies. In addition, it has its own corporate identity and an operator’s certificate issued by the United States Department of Transportation (DOT).
Red Way’s goal is to offer «a complete service at an affordable price», according to the company’s management before the launch. Depending on the fare purchased, customers can receive light meals, snacks and beverages on par with traditional airlines.
Red Way currently offers flights from Lincoln
- Orlando (MCO): twice weekly. Started on 8 June.
- Minneapolis (MSP): twice weekly. Started on 8 June.
- Atlanta (ATL): twice weekly. Starts on 16 June.
- Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW): twice weekly. Starts on 16 June.
- Las Vegas (LAS): twice weekly. Starts on 16 June.
- Austin (AUS): twice weekly. Starts on 24 June.
- Nashville (BNA): twice weekly. Starts on 24 June.
, Nebraska, on aircraft operated by Global Crossing Airlines.){kind=link}