Travel Club Moves Closer to Take Off
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowA startup travel company has hit a major milestone. Indianapolis-based Legacy Travel Club says it has secured initial funding for its efforts to bring back nonstop service between some popular destinations and Indianapolis International Airport. President Chris Allen is not revealing the amount pumped into the company by two investors, but says additional financing is needed to reach the $5.4 million goal to begin full-time operations.
June 12, 2014
News Release
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (June 11, 2014) – A significant milestone in Legacy Travel Club history has been achieved. Legacy has secured initial funding from two local investors— which will play a vital role in returning the long awaited nonstop air service to Indianapolis International Airport.
“The magnitude of this is absolutely extraordinary.” said Founder and President Chris Allen, who bootstrapped Legacy from the ground up after the loss of ATA Airlines in 2008. “This is exactly what we (Legacy) needed; the first domino to fall. This demonstrates that the need for better air service in Indianapolis is clearly apparent.” he added.
While the precise amount of funding will not be disclosed, Allen cites numerous airline mergers and declining air service as the pain Legacy Travel Club and his silent investors aim to resolve. “We are not out to be the next Delta or Southwest, but to bring back the niche travel market Indianapolis enjoyed for overly 40 years with ATA and Voyager 1000.” Legacy's vision will feature a fleet self-owned and operated 114 passenger MD-80 aircraft – configured with first class amenities. “It’s the sweet spot between private charter flying and the commercial carriers.” Allen added. “First class flying, without the first class price tag.” he said.
Allen also cites the recent merger between AirTran and Southwest as key factors in flyer's frustrations and misery. “Once Southwest obtained all of ATA's routes, it had free reign on what it wanted to dictate to Indy.” Allen said. “I can't tell you how many upset and frustrated people I've talked to that can't even get to Florida without getting a tooth pulled, it’s that painful.”
Additional financing will need to be secured to raise the required $5.4 million needed to begin full-time operations for Legacy’s hub at Indianapolis International Airport. “Raising money is never easy,” Allen said. “But our investors share our ideals that flying should be enjoyed, not endured.”
Allen also points out the benefits of returning first class, nonstop flights to the Indianapolis area.” he said. “Whether traveling personally or professionally, getting to and from Indianapolis and the surrounding areas will no longer be a challenge.”
To date, Legacy has over 155 Lifetime Members, over 1000 flyers in its database, and two accredited investors. “I applaud the private sector for Legacy's success. It truly is an effort that is “by the people, for the people.” said Allen in closing.
Legacy Travel Club was founded in 2011 that features all first class seating, 3 feet of legroom, free onboard wifi, and hot meals for its members while bringing back direct, nonstop air service to Indianapolis. Headed by former ATA Airline employee Chris Allen, the start-up company is in the process of raising funds to begin full-time operations in at the Indianapolis International Airport. For more information, please visit www.legacytravelclub.com or call Founder and President Chris Allen at (317) 418-4841.
Source: Legacy Travel Club