Thread: PeoplExpress Lands in ATL, Eastern Lands new Investment

PEOPLExpress touched down Friday (August 1) with its new service connecting ATL - PHF.
“Atlanta was an important destination for the original PEOPLExpress in the 1980s and we’re delighted to return with the same great low fares and convenient non-stop service,” said Jeff Erickson, a long-time airline executive leading the start-up. “People have been very receptive and supportive of our service. From the very beginning, PEOPLExpress was designed to provide a fun, creative and innovative approach to air travel to dispel the myth that low air fares have to mean low service or an impersonal experience. PEOPLExpress is restoring the concepts of respect, value and excitement to the air travel experience. It’s time to Fly Smart!™”
The Boeing 737-400 service operates daily, arriving from Newport News at 11:50 a.m. and departing Atlanta at 12:50 p.m.

Meanwhile another throwback Eastern Air Lines is pleased to announce the closing of its current equity round, with a major investment from Mr. Vincent Viola. Mr. Viola is an investor and entrepreneur whose business career has spanned over three decades. He previously rose to Chairman of the New York Mercantile Exchange, and is currently the Chairman of Virtu Financial, as well as the co-founder and a significant shareholder in Independent Bank in Texas and the owner of the Florida Panthers of the National Hockey League.
Mr. Viola is also a graduate of the United States Military Academy and New York Law School and has led the funding and creation of the Combating Terrorism Center at West Point. Over the past 30 years he has been a leading advocate for veteran’s issues and philanthropy.
“We are extremely honored to have Mr. Viola as our major shareholder and having the benefit of his broad business experience as a board member. He is a patriot as well as a highly accomplished business and civic leader, with a strong commitment to South Florida where Eastern is headquartered”, said Ed Wegel, Eastern’s President and CEO.