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"In many cases this transportation option offers a great number of advantages over commercial airline travel, including convenience, time savings, comfort and ease of scheduling," said Rob Altholz, vice president for business and finance.
The Billiken AirExpress is dispatched from the University's flight instruction facility at St. Louis Downtown-Parks Airport in Cahokia, Ill., and departs upon the travelers' arrival at the airport.
"This service is surprisingly affordable, particularly for small groups and destinations that are not well-served by the airlines," Altholz said.
The plane trips cost the same whether there is one passenger or several, making it particularly cost-effective when multiple travelers are going to a conference or a meeting. Free parking is available at St. Louis Downtown-Parks Airport, and pricing for the Billiken AirExpress is not subject to Saturday layovers.
The chief pilot of the plane is Tim Akey, who is working as an instructor in the professional pilot program at Parks College this semester. Akey is a veteran pilot with a background in corporate and charter flying as well as flight instruction. He has 20 years of experience as a pilot.
Thousands of airports are accessible to the Billiken AirExpress that otherwise are unavailable to the commercial airlines. Therefore, the AirExpress might be able to get travelers much closer to their final destinations, saving them time and money.
Amenities on the flight include coffee and soft drinks, catering upon request, tables for writing or using a computer and ample space for baggage.
The service also provides flexibility. Travelers are not locked into an airline schedule if trip plans change, and users avoid airport terminals and ticket counter lines.
Members of the University community will be able to see the Billiken AirExpress first-hand at an open house on Monday, Dec. 14, at St. Louis Downtown-Parks Airport.
Refreshments will be provided, and a shuttle service to the airport will be available for the eight-mile trip. Pickup times at the School of Medicine and in front of Busch Memorial Center are 8 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Faculty and staff members who travel or arrange travel for the University also were able to attend informational sessions about the plane earlier this month during which Dean Chuck Kirkpatrick and Associate Dean Alan Stolzer of Parks College answered questions about the Billiken AirExpress.
The Billiken AirExpress is scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no maximum time allotment, so faculty and staff members are encouraged to book early.
To learn more about how the Billiken AirExpress can fly for you, call (618) 337-9550. In the near future, travelers will be able to get airplane schedules and fare quotes through the University's World Wide Web site and book flights directly on-line.
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