Californians can fly from high desert to Vegas

Tuesday, Dec. 28, 2004 | 11:09 a.m.

PALMDALE, Calif. -- More than 200 travelers have booked flights to Las Vegas with Scenic Airlines, which on Wednesday will launch the first Antelope Valley airline passenger service in nearly seven years.

The first 19-seat DeHavilland Twin Otter plane is due to arrive about 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Palmdale Regional Airport terminal at U.S. Air Force Plant 42 and to depart with the first Palmdale passengers at 11 a.m.

"It's great; the first flight is completely sold out," said Mitzi Daines, Scenic's director of business development.

The twin-propeller airliners will make one or two flights daily in and out of Palmdale, landing 85 minutes later at the North Las Vegas Airport. Scenic Airlines shuttle buses will take passengers to and from their hotels or connecting flights at McCarran International Airport.

To mark the inaugural flight, a celebration Wednesday will include a drawing for free round-trip tickets plus a three-night stay at New York-New York hotel through New Year's Eve. Whoever wins must be there with suitcases packed to leave on the 11 a.m. flight.