It’s been a while since my last update, but I’m back in the swing of it. And the good news is I’ve got some great news to share. We’re marking our one-year anniversary!

As those of you who’ve been following the blog know, a lot of hard work went into making our first year such a success. We launched OpenSkies in record time, partnered with L’Avion to strengthen our offerings, and added the first all-business class Amsterdam-NYC route. When other airlines increased their costs and reduced their capacity, we increased our capacity and reduced costs. Over the year, our market share has grown and there are few empty seats. That means a healthy airline.

In the past twelve months, we’ve welcomed 92,000 passengers aboard our flights. That’s a solid feat for a new airline, even in the best of times. We’ve not only endured during a tough economy, we’ve continue to show improvements every month. Why? Because we truly are a unique airline whose time has come. All business class, all the time—and at an exceptional value.

It feels pretty good to look back on all we’ve accomplished this past year, but we’re not just sitting around the offices congratulating ourselves and slapping each other on the back. There’s an American baseball player who said it best. He said, “It’s okay to look back, just don’t stare.” We’re not staring at the past.  We focused on the future, making OpenSkies the best flying experience out there.

And what we’re focused on right now is bringing you some great deals to celebrate our anniversary. You’ll see that topnotch service and complete comfort don’t have to come at a lavish price.

If you’ve flown with us over the past year, drop me a note and let me know about your experience. If we’ve yet to welcome you aboard, I look forward to seeing you in year two.

Dale

I have to say that I’m really excited about our new route. And what better way to celebrate a fantastic new route than with a fantastic deal.

For four days only, from September 9 through September 12, 2008, a round trip BIZ ticket from New York to Amsterdam is only $1609*, all taxes included. And a round trip PREM+ ticket is only $1158*, all taxes included. Talk about a great deal.

So how did we come up with $1609*?  Besides being a great price for a roundtrip BIZ ticket, 1609 is significant for another reason. Let’s see if you know.

Is it:

A. The number of miles between New York City and Amsterdam.

B. The year Henry Hudson explored the New York waterways.

C. The number of paintings in the Van Gogh Museum.

If you guessed B, you’re right! Henry Hudson was hired by the Dutch East India Trading Company in 1609 to explore the New York waterways in hopes of finding a passage to Asia.

I know I mentioned it in an earlier post, but it’s worth saying again—our flights to Amsterdam will feature our new duel cabin reconfiguration. We’re expanding PREM+ from 28 to 40 seats—which means more opportunity to enjoy business class comfort without the business class cost.

So why not plan to have Thanksgiving in New York City, or enjoy a cozy Christmas in Amsterdam? And why not tell your friends and family about this deal.  With prices like these, it’s hard to find a reason not to go.

But don’t wait too long to book. This offer is only good from September 9 through 12, 2008. (But we always have some great offers.  Check out our offers page of other deals we have.)

As they say in Amsterdam, Gauw tot ziens! (See you soon!)

Dale