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Surf Air Coming to BentonvilleLock Icon

2 min read

You may have heard about this, but it was nice to learn more about Surf Air’s new Arkansas connection from President Nick Kennedy, who has his own Arkansas connection.

A membership-only airline, Surf Air plans to begin service at Bentonville Municipal Airport within the month. Kennedy, who graduated from Harding University in Searcy, started the similarly themed Rise in 2014 in Dallas and sold it to Surf Air of Santa Monica in June.

Kennedy said Surf Air has more than 5,000 members who pay monthly membership fees that start at $1,950. Members get unlimited flights within the airline’s network, and flight schedules are accessible on the Surf Air app.

Kennedy said corporate leaders in northwest Arkansas, including executives at Wal-Mart, convinced him that the Bentonville airport was a more attractive base than Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport in Highfill.

“When you can come right into Bentonville and be five minutes from the Wal-Mart headquarters, it’s a complete game changer,” he said.

Kennedy said Surf Air’s membership fees could be a bargain for frequent travelers because of high fares at XNA. Earlier this month, Northwest Arkansas Council CEO Nelson Peacock said the 700,000 travelers who go through XNA pay approximately $50 million to $100 million more because of higher air fare; XNA officials have been working for years trying to attract a low-fare commercial airline to the airport.

“I know it’s a hidden gem up there and a great opportunity up there,” Kennedy said. “I’ve paid enough $800 round-trip tickets on American Airlines to go up there. It’s a captive audience and a very expensive flight.”

Surf Air currently serves big cities in Texas and California with no flights connecting the two regions. Kennedy said the airline will focus on the business traveler in northwest Arkansas who wants to go to Dallas or Houston and doesn’t want the hassle of commercial flights or the expense of a private charter.

“A lot of private planes are very bougie and posh; it’s all about taking a selfie and champagne,” Kennedy said. “The reality is most people can’t afford that. We’re trying to serve the busy executive who is beat up going through security, beat up from getting off the planes. We had a hunch this would work. I knew it would work for me.”

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