Florida airline to launch direct service from Charleston

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While the travel industry continues to reel worldwide, Charleston International Airport is once again bringing in new business, this time with the launch of Silver Airways’ direct service to the Lowcountry, the airport said today.

Effective Nov. 23, nonstop flights will run from Charleston to the Sunshine State’s hubs in Orlando, Tampa and Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

The Fort Lauderdale-based carrier offers the most routes within Florida and between Florida and the Bahamas, the airport said in a news release.

Service will launch from Orlando International Airport three days per week, Tampa International three days per week and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International two days per week.

“We are thrilled to introduce low fares and nonstop service between South Carolina’s most iconic city and three favorite Sunshine State destinations with Silver Airways’ safe, reliable and customer-friendly service,” Silver Airways Senior Vice President Commercial and Finance Pedro Motta said in a statement.

Charleston County Aviation Authority CEI Elliot Summey said it’s a win-win for Charleston to establish new routes.

“Silver is a strong regional airline with an extensive network,” he said. “Their new service will not only expand our options to Fort Lauderdale, they are opening the door to new markets in Tampa, Orlando and beyond.”

The Silver Airways announcement comes just a month after Charleston International Airport established its first direct flight to Los Angeles, which in a September interview Summey called a gateway access to the Asian market. The Charleston to LA route is through JetBlue.

Around the same time, United Airlines also re-opened direct flights between Charleston and Denver after temporarily closing them because of the coronavirus.

“This outstanding news for our industry and community continues an impressive run of significant air service announcements in recent weeks. As we navigate our pandemic recovery, we are encouraged by these votes of confidence in the strength, potential, and desirability of the Charleston market,” Chairman for the Charleston Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Michael Tall said.

Helen Hill, CEO for the visitors bureau and chairwoman of the Aviation Authority board, said the Florida market not only important for the hospitality industry, but to residents looking for a quick vacation. 

“The Silver Airways announcement to link the Charleston area to three distinct regions in Florida is great news for our area’s steady progress toward recovery,” she said.