Victoria’s New Air Service To Start September 1st

Right now, unless you own or have access to a private aircraft, you can't fly in or out of the Victoria Regional Airport. But, that should change on or about September 1st.

While plans continue to renew air service in Victoria, the city will remain grounded for the time being. Sept. 1 is the tentative start date for Sun Air International to begin service, said Jason Milewski, manager of the Victoria Regional Airport. Still, it isn't set in stone. "At this time, there are no foreseeable things that could delay the start," he told the Victoria Advocate. "But that can change tomorrow. It all depends."

The airline is coordinating with the Federal Aviation Administration and Transportation Security Administration, he said. Sun Air is also working with Hewlett-Packard to work out the reservation system and schedule.

Milewski said he was not sure when passengers would be able to book flights, but he said he hoped to learn more soon. "The ball's rolling," he said. "Everything's moving forward." Once plans are complete, Sun Air will offer four daily flights to Houston Intercontinental Airport.

Colgan Air Inc., the airport's previous carrier, announced in March plans to pull essential air service from Victoria. Although original plans called for the airline to remain until a replacement was found, the company discontinued service June 30. The airport commission in mid-June selected Sun Air as its replacement.

Milewski said Sun Air's plan should come into sharper focus next week. He and a Sun Air representative are scheduled to speak at Wednesday's Victoria Chamber of Commerce luncheon, updating attendees about future service. "There should be more information available then," he said. "Everything's moving along. It's just not happening fast enough, even for myself."