BOSTON-MAINE Airways RECEIVES FAA APPROVAL FOR SCHEDULED OPERATIONS

PORTSMOUTH, NH -- Boston-Maine Airways announced today that it has received final approval from the Federal Aviation Administration to commence scheduled passenger air service. The Portsmouth, NH-based airline company has operated as a charter carrier since its formation in March of 1999.

Vice President of Airline Operations Gordon R. Long praised the efforts of his team and said "this additional certification by the FAA marks the completion of a process which spanned more than two Years and which has positioned the airline to offer passengers local air service in a variety of markets, as well as the opportunity to connect with its affiliate, Pan American Airways, which provides service to popular destinations in New England, Florida and the Caribbean." Pan Am recently initiated scheduled Boeing 727 jet service to Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BW1).

Boston-Maine Airways operates a fleet of 19 passenger British Aerospace Jetstream 31 twin turboprop aircraft, which feature pressurized air conditioned cabins, cruise at 220 knots and a two-pilot crew. The first destinations to be offered will connect Cumberland and Hagerstown, Maryland with Baltimore/Washington International Airport under a contract awarded to the company earlier this year by the State of Maryland. Additional routes anticipated for startup in early 2002 include Naples, St. Petersburg/Clearwater, Marathon Key and Orlando / Sanford, ~ Florida, as well as service to Nantucket, Martha's Vineyard and Cape Cod from Hanscom Field in Bedford, MA and other New England locations.

Vice President of Marketing Dan Fortnam outlined the company's plans, saying "Boston-Maine Airways will provide passengers with an affordable, comfortable and convenient travel experience at their local airport, whether that be for travel to another Boston-Maine destination, a connection to Pan Am's Clipper Class jet service, or a connection to the wide range of travel options available at a facility such as BWI."

The Boston-Maine Airway’s name has its roots in the earliest days of commercial aviation. In the late l 920's and early l 930's, the Boston & Maine and Maine Central Railroads jointly operated an airline, which provided international mail and passenger service throughout the Northeastern U.S. and Canadian Maritimes. In fact, Amelia Earhart was a Vice President of the original Boston-Maine Airways, which also operated under contract with a then-fledgling Pan Am.