McClaskey Enterprises to retain ownership of casino junket airline

Thursday, Oct. 22, 1998 | 2:47 a.m.

In a written statement, Noval Nelson, McClaskey Enterprises chief executive, on Thursday said the decision was prompted by several factors, including flight program modifications and growth opportunities in the airline industry.

McClaskey, which owns the Red Lion Inn and Casino, earlier this year announced its intent to sell the airline so that the company could focus on its core hotel-casino business.

With more than 730 flights per year, McClaskey said the airline program pumps about $36 million annually into the Elko economy.

In September alone, the airline junket generated more than $374,000 in revenues for the city, state, county and federal governments, the company said.

"It is with the utmost confidence that Casino Express will continue operating and bringing passengers into Elko through the next millennium and indefinitely," McClaskey said.

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