Feds pull plug on Vegas charter flights

TM Travel, also known as Jackie’s, is losing its charter flight service to Las Vegas next month after its public charter prospectus was not renewed by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). The company’s air carrier, World Airways, Inc., announced the DOT’s action today, and said it was “due to non-compliance with federal regulations.” World Airways did not disclose which regulations were violated. Contrary to initial reports, Jackie’s is not the same company as Jackie’s Travel, which was acquired in 1997 by Mainland casino operator Boyd Gaming Co.. The new company’s charter flights began last September aboard Boeing MD-11 aircraft.

“Although we’re disappointed that TM Travel did not meet DOT regulations and that our contract has come to an end, it had fallen well short of our original revenue expectations,” said Randy Martinez, president and chief executive officer of World Airways.

World Airways had expected the deal with TM Travel to generate $7.3 million in revenues last year and $31 million this year and next, but later revised its 2004 estimate to $8 to $10 million. With the DOT decision, the company anticipates its seven months of service will have generated only $5.7 million.

Martinez said World Airways’ global operations, which include substantial cargo and military transport contracts, will offset his company’s TM Travel-related losses.

He directed passengers to contact TM Travel directly with questions. Listed as Jackie’s, the company can be reached at (888) 668-5771 from Hawaii or at (808) 942-9777 from elsewhere.

This story has been corrected since it was originally published.