Five Florida points have been named as DayPorts, by DayJet, the VLJ per-seat, on-demand jet service expected to begin later this year. (RAN, June 12) Boca Raton, Gainesville, Lakeland, and Pensacola are the first cities to be named DayPorts. Tallahassee, which was previously named its first Center of Excellence, is the fifth DayPort. (RAN, May 1)

The company said the points were selected for their strong business climates and limited transportation infrastructure, adding they will serve as "access ramps to the world's first per-seat, on-demand jet service." Gainesville and Tallahassee are small metropolitan markets with a population of 300,000 or less, while Boca Raton is a large metropolitan market with more than a million in population. All five markets are ranked among Florida's 20 top cities for total number of workers.

The DayPorts inter-connect the southeast, central, north central and northwest Florida regions. DayJet is in final negotiations with fixed base operators and airports in each of the cities. It expects to announce an additional four DayPorts within 12 months and another 12 across three neighboring southeastern states, connecting communities that have little or no scheduled air service. In its first three years, DayJet expects to employ 2,000 in Florida.

DayJet market research indicates that business professionals in these markets drive for 86 percent of the 592,000 annual business trips taken between these cities. It also pointed out that between 2000 and 2006, scheduled flights between all Florida markets decreased by 47 percent, while available seat capacity declined by 31 percent.

"Each of these five Florida cities represent a strong and growing local economy and a business environment that is underserved by the airline hub and spoke system," said DayJet. "Together, these markets are expected to receive a total $94 million annual economic benefit from the arrival of DayJet, within the first three years of operation."

Ed Iacobucci, president and CEO, noted the lack of transportation limits smaller, economically diverse and socially vibrant communities. He said these points have well educated and technology savvy workforces. "Business leaders in these communities have told us they are ready to embrace new transportation models to increase their productivity and competitiveness in regional business scenarios," he said.

Mario Garcia, Jr, president and CEO of Electron Medical Services Inc (EMSI), attending the DayPort announcement, testified to how DayJet could spark more travel when he indicated that he limits travel because it is so time consuming. "I only take about one-third of the short trips I should take," he said. "[This service] will allow me to make more critical business trips in a single day, helping me to grow my business and increase my productivity, without taking away time from the office or my family."

DayPort Market Profiles

Boca Raton - DayJet will operate from Boca Raton Airport. Located in Palm Beach County between the metropolitan markets of West Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale, the area has a total population of 1.27 million. It ranks among Forbes magazine's 2005 Top 100 Best Places for Business and Careers. It is projected to receive a total annual economic impact of $13 million for the DayJet service in the first three years of operation.

Gainseville - Service will be from Gainesville Regional Airport. Currently, the market has limited direct scheduled airline service to Key West, Miami and Tampa. Located in Alachua County, the area has a total population of 224,400 and ranks 26th on the Milken Institute's 2005 Best Performing Cities Index. It is projected to realize a total annual economic impact of $26 million within its first three years of operation.

Lakeland - Lakeland Linder Regional Airport currently has no scheduled service. Located in Polk County between Tampa and Orlando, the area has a total population of 532,000 and ranks 33 on the Milken index. It is projected to receive a total annual economic impact of $14 million in the first three years.

Pensacola - Service will be from Pensacola Regional Airport, which offers limited direct scheduled service to Key West, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando and Tampa. There has been a 32 percent decline in scheduled flights between Pensacola and these Florida markets as capacity dropped 19 percent. Located in Escambia County, it has a population of 443,000 and ranks 33rd in Inc. magazine's 2005 Best Places for Doing Business. It is projected to receive a total annual economic impact of $24 million within three years.

Tallahassee - Florida's Capital city has limited direct scheduled service to Key West, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Orlando, Tampa and West Palm Beach. Between 2000 and 2006, scheduled flights declined by 33 percent to those markets while capacity dropped 26 percent. Located in Leon County, Tallahassee has a population of 336,000 and is also on Forbes 2005 Top 100 Best Places for Business and Careers. It is projected to receive a total annual economic impact of $16 million within three years.