By BILL COTTERELL
Florida Capital Political Editor
Published on: 12/12/07

TALLAHASSEE . The state has contracted for "air taxi" service with three companies that fly small planes when and where business travelers need to be.

The Department of Management Services contracted with Dayjet Corp., ImagineAir Jet Services and SATSair for the flight options. DMS Secretary Linda South said "on demand" travel, for up to three passengers, is often more economical than taking big commercial jets.

"Air taxis are fast becoming a cost-effective mode of transportation," she said. "This flight option enables us to better serve our customers through new travel alternatives while saving money."

Instead of having to make reservations two weeks in advance, book a Saturday stay and check in an hour or more before flight time, the taxi service allows passengers to fly on short notice. The companies can also reach small airports not served by commercial carriers, avoiding changes of planes and layovers, as well as car rental to reach towns not on the routes of scheduled airlines.

DMS scheduled an orientation session at 11 a.m. today in the Betty Easley Conference Center to acquaint state agencies, elected officials and other government users of details for air-taxi service.

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