(NEW ORLEANS, LA) - Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport and Vacation Express, one of the largest tour operators in the southeast United States, are pleased to announce that new non-stop seasonal service from New Orleans to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic will be available in 2015 from May 14th to August 6th. The new non-stop flight will have a Thursday departure aboard a Boeing 737 Sunwing Airline aircraft, with a seating capacity of 189 passengers. Flights will typically depart at 9 a.m. with a return in the early evening to ensure that passengers enjoy maximum beach time during their exciting six (6) night package at this beautiful tropical destination. Located on the easternmost province of the Dominican Republic, Punta Cana has been a popular tourist destination for decades. It is best known for its beaches and resorts which face both the Caribbean and Atlantic.

Additionally, Vacation Express, with over 25 years' experience in the charter flight business, will once again offer multiple non-stop departures from New Orleans to Cancun, Mexico. Travel to the popular Mexican tourist destination is also scheduled from May 14th to August 6th. The non-stop flights will be aboard a Boeing 737-400 Swift Air aircraft, with a seating capacity of 150 passengers. Like the flights to Punta Cana, flights will typically depart in the morning/early afternoon with a return late afternoon/early evening to ensure that passengers enjoy maximum beach time. For information or tickets, visit www.vacationexpress.com or call 1-800-309-4717.

New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu said, "This is more good news for our city. The announcement reaffirms that New Orleans is a viable city for non-stop international travel. These flights will help bring people from around the region to our city to enjoy these nonstop flights."

"Vacation Express has become a valuable partner with our airport providing air service to desirable tropical destinations," said New Orleans Aviation Board Chairwoman Cheryl Teamer.

"This service offers the community an opportunity to travel nonstop to these great vacation destinations," stated New Orleans Councilman Jared Brossett, Chair of the Transportation and Aviation Committee.

"This is the third season that Vacation Express has provided non-stop travel from our great city to some of the most popular vacation spots in the Eastern and Western Caribbean," said Iftikhar Ahmad, Airport Director of Aviation. "We stress the fact that to continue expanding international service, our communities must support these wonderful travel opportunities."
###Michelle C. Wilcut
New Orleans Aviation Board
Deputy Director & Chief Customer Service Officer

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport
P.O. Box 20007
New Orleans, LA 70141

P: 504.303.7552
C: 504.628.0250
F: 504.303.7566