NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA (January 17, 2003). TransCaribbean Airways, NV (TCA) announced plans to begin new, nonstop service linking the State of Louisiana (U.S.A.), the Dutch/French Caribbean and Europe in April. The Dutch-Caribbean registered airline, TCA, will begin its initial round of flights providing round-trip scheduled charter flights 6 days a week between New Orleans into the Caribbean islands of St. Maarten/St. Martin and Curacao. “Our ability to operate under the ‘open skies’ policy provides Louisiana and its citizens a unique opportunity to visit the exotic islands of the Netherlands Antilles”, said Alfred Menconi, President of the Mirage Group.
Governor Mike Foster said, “The expansion of international service into Louis Armstrong International is important for the economic growth of Louisiana and New Orleans. TCA’s attraction to Louisiana is just another sign that we have a great state in which do business.”
Beginning July 4, TCA expands its service with direct service to Brussels the capital of Belgium, which is also known as the capital of the European Union, allowing connections by air and Eurorail from the airport terminal across Europe. Utilizing Boeing 747 jets, TCA will bring more than 400 seats and ample room for palletized cargo to the Region.
“We are very enthusiastic about the benefits TCA and their new service provides the State,” said Don J. Hutchinson, Secretary, Louisiana Economic Development. “In addition to the additional passenger and cargo service, TCA will be adding between 150-200 new jobs to the market over the next couple of years.” LED will provide Workforce Development training funds for reservation and ticketing education, including international business processes.
“We offer our congratulations to Governor Foster and we were pleased to be a part of this team to secure new air service that will allow our passengers in the State and the Region to enjoy access to the Caribbean, Europe and other cities throughout the European Union,” said Roy Williams, Director of Aviation for the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport.
This new service is predicted to benefit the state economy by utilizing Louisiana as its initial gateway to the United States. Financial experts estimate that nonstop international flights with similar service generate in excess of $100 million per year to the local economies. “Again Louisiana shows that it has become a major player in the worldwide tourism industry,” said Lt. Gov. Kathleen Babineaux Blanco. “TCA’s move to New Orleans stretches our reach into key European and Caribbean markets. The jobs and economic windfall associated with this expansion strengthens our nearly $9 billion tourism industry.”
“With immediate access to Eurorail, a strong cargo network at Brussels International Airport, and easy access to Europe’s largest motorway interchange, the economic benefits of this new air service are immense,” said Corliss Stone-Littles of ARP Consulting. TCA will provide affordable air service, using a simplified fare structure between Louisiana, the Caribbean and Europe to offer value and convenience to passengers of the City of New Orleans, the River Region and the State of Louisiana, from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. For further information on this new service, contact your local travel agent or please check the TCA website at www.flytca.com
TransCaribbean Airways will fly to Brussels
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