SEACOAST AIRLINES TO START WEST PALM-KEY WEST ROUTE

KEY WEST, Fla., Oct. 6, 2004 - When SeaCoast Airlines conducts its first flight to the Florida Keys from West Palm Beach International Airport, the flight will mark a bold new step in the small airline’s business plan.

SeaCoast Airlines has built a sound reputation within the Florida travel industry by offering direct, commercial flights between cities that historically were linked by few if any direct flights.

SeaCoast currently offers flights to the Keys from Florida’s west coast, and in November 2004 the company will adapt that approach to Florida’s east coast.

"The Palm Beaches presently have no non-stop air service to the Keys and our service will provide time-sensitive vacationers a new option compared to the seven-plus-hour drive," said Nathan Vallier, the airline’s sales director for Florida Keys services. The flights will take 1 hour and 15 minutes, he said.

SeaCoast Airlines is based at the St. Petersburg/Clearwater International Airport near Tampa Bay. The company prides itself on offering affordable "flightseeing adventures" with stunning views of the Florida Everglades and Florida Bay.

The new flights will utilize West Palm Beach International’s Galaxy Aviation Center, conveniently located at the south end of the airport away from the busy main terminal, said Vallier. The flights will arrive at Key West International Airport and also, if demand warrants, at the Florida Keys Marathon Airport in the Middle Keys.

SeaCoast has the flexibility to add flights as required because it operates as a charter service, Vallier said.

Consumers who want to travel to the Keys should consider utilizing SeaCoast Vacations, a new division of SeaCoast Airlines that specializes in arranging vacation trips to the Keys, he added. Travelers can arrange air travel, accommodations, car rentals, and local activities by calling SeaCoast Vacations or by gong online (www.seacoastairlines.com; phone: 1-866-30-Coast).