Air
Gumbo – the Right Mix for Serving the Caribbean
04/02/03
LAFAYETTE, LA – Air Gumbo, a new
Louisiana based airline, has learned that state officials
are excited about the possible beneficial economic
impact that a direct air link to the Caribbean from
New Orleans may bring the state. Impressive is the
state’s Department of Economic Development
committing $639,000 to the supposed “Trans
Caribbean Airways” in spite of the fact that,
as of date, the proposed carrier has yet to apply
and receive approval from the U.S Department of Transportation
as well as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
This approval process takes approximately two to
three months for foreign airlines. The state’s
Department of Tourism has also offered the supposed “Trans
Caribbean Airways” $100,000 in marketing aid
even though there is already a Trans Caribbean Airways
with an FAA operating certificate based in San Juan,
Puerto Rico.
Air Gumbo believes these incentives by our state
government are great news to its potential investors
as it raises capital. “In fairness, Air Gumbo
hopes to receive similar or better monetary aid from
the state,” said Ralston Champagnie, Air Gumbo’s
founder and CEO. Air Gumbo will launch service with
over 300 employees and end its first year of operation
with close to 1000 employees. Air Gumbo’s hopes
of launching service towards the end of the year
will depend on the duration of the Iraqi war.
Air Gumbo, Inc., d/b/a Air Gumbo is a low-cost, low-fare,
one-frill airline. Its strategy links New Orleans
directly to destinations within the United States,
Canada, the Caribbean, Central and South America.
Air Gumbo has received resolutions of support from
airport authorities such as the New Orleans Aviation
Board, the Lafayette Airport Commission, and the
Calcasieu Airport Authority. The New Orleans Aviation
Board, which operates the Louis Armstrong International
Airport, gave its support after the board’s
marketing consultant, ARP Consulting, evaluated Air
Gumbo’s business plan.
For more information contact: Ralston Champagnie—337-235-1815.
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