[ Exclusive ] By MateenKontoravdisThe United States Gets a Unique Airline Return SkiesThe first time that air travel exceeded pre-pandemic levels was July 1, when 2147,090 passengers were checked at TSA checkpoints across the U.S. This is a 58.330 person increase over July 1, 2019.Taos Air, which was reopening its skies on the same day as air travel returning to 2019 levels, also reopened its skies for the first-time in more than a year. After a period of hiatus caused by the pandemic, non-stop service was resumed by the New Mexico-based charter airline Taos to Austin, Dallas, San Diego-Carlsbad, Los Angeles-Hawthorne, and Dallas-Love Field.Taos Ski Valley in New Mexico, which is a ski resort, founded Taos Air because there was no air service to major airports nearby. One year after Taos Regional Airport constructed a new runway measuring 8,000 feet (13/31) that could accommodate larger aircraft, the airline began operations. Before Taos Air's arrival, most tourists who wanted to visit Taos' ski resort or village could only fly to Albuquerque and Santa Fe, and then drive the rest of their way.Taos Air's return offers aviation enthusiasts a chance to take a ride in one of two 30-seat Fairchild Dornier aircraft 328JET. Advanced Air operates the airlines public charter flights. This company also operates Surf Airs Pilatus 12 flights.Taos Airs' summer schedule will link Taos to the four destinations of the airline until Sept. 27,Between now and September, Taos Air offers 26 departures to each of its four destinations. The northern New Mexico city will have access to 3,328 seats, which is approximately 65% of the winter 2019 season's capacity. Although the Winter 2021 schedule of airlines has not yet been announced, it could include additional destinations or frequencies to meet domestic demand.I flew onboard Taos Air from Austin, Texas to Taos during the airline's inaugural winter season. It was my first flight aboard a Dornier Dornier 328JET, and also my first trip to New Mexico. Taos Air operates similar to JSX from Fixed-Base Operators. Flying with Taos Air is more convenient because passengers don't have to go through TSA lines or wait in airport terminals.Taos Air operates out of the Signature Flight Support FBO in Austin. After entering the terminal I verified my name, confirmation number, and was then checked in.Once the aircraft was ready to depart, we were taken onto the ramp and escorted to the aircraft. We were soon on our way to Taos after skis were loaded, the pilots briefed us about the flight plan, and the flight attendant demonstrated safety.Ultimate Air Shuttle operated the flights when I flew with this airline. Taos Ski Valley purchased two Dorniers 328JETs in the meantime, and Advanced Air operates them.The aircraft's 1-2 configuration is spacious, featuring well-padded, beige seats and more than average legroom. Every seat comes with a copy the Discover Taos magazine. This makes Taos Air the last U.S. airline to offer inflight magazines.There is a lavatory at the rear of the aircraft and a small galley available for in-flight service. Taos Air offered a wide range of snacks and beverages when I flew with them. It is not clear if the airline has changed its inflight service due to the ongoing pandemic.The Dornier 328JETs do not have any paxex-focused amenities like Wi-Fi or power outlets. This was a short flight, so I didn't see it as a problem.The view was spectacular, especially when we reached the Taos region. Avgeeks will appreciate the large windows on this aircraft.We began our descent to Taos just a few minutes after crossing into New Mexico. After an unforgettable first experience aboard the Dornier 328JET we deplaned in just over two hours, having parked our car at the Austin FBO earlier that day.The shuttle service to Taos Ski Valley is available for ski resort passengers. Our bus was leaving for the Ski Valley by the time we reached Dallas-Love.After a brief visit to the Ski Valley I returned to the airport to board the evening return flight to Austin. We were back at the Austin FBO by 8:00 p.m., thanks to the same crew that operated the return flight.Overall, I found Taos Air to be a pleasant and convenient airline. It will be interesting to see how anyone tries to compete with Taos Air in niche markets it serves, as domestic travel is back in full force.
