www.saltspringair.com: Following in the footsteps of successful companies such as JetBlue Airways and Southwest Airlines, Saltspring Air is connecting directly with customers and making business connections through the social networking site Twitter. The company launched Twitter-only specials earlier this month and immediately connected with new customers, increased business connections and expanded the company’s following.

“We have had a very positive response from customers, the business community and people around the world who are interested in what we are doing,” says Saltspring Air’s Philip Reece. “We gained a number of new followers.” In fact, the airline used the social networking tool to release a Twitter-only special on the new direct Pat Bay (Victoria) to Vancouver service; within an hour, they received bookings.

Twitter-only deals are sent in “tweets” to the company’s Twitter followers who are then able to take advantage of day-specific pricing. Updates can be texted to a follower’s cell phone or Blackberry, giving customers the benefit of receiving updates in real time. In addition to special deals, Tweets can contain information about details such as schedule changes and weather updates. Twitter has even helped passengers reconnect with items left on the plane.

Twitter is also helping Saltspring Air strengthen business relationships as tourism companies share what they are doing and formulate strategic alliances. “Through the Twitter connection, we are working with a new resort and we’re now looking at building a Saanich Peninsula wine tour for people coming from Vancouver,” says Reece.

Anyone can follow Saltspring Air at www.twitter.com/saltspringair, then sign up to be notified about seat sales, updates and other promotions. When booking, customers simply mention the details of the Twitter promotion.

Saltspring Air’s new Victoria to Vancouver service runs five days a week, departing from Pat Bay at 7:30 AM and from downtown Vancouver in front of the Westin Bayshore Hotel at 4:45 PM. Scheduled flights or charters may be booked by calling 1.877.537.9880 or emailing reservations@saltspringair.com

Saltspring Air was established in 1995 and has been flying under its own banner since 2003. The only floatplane company based on Salt Spring Island, Saltspring Air has grown to a fleet of four planes, six pilots and ten dispatchers and support crew. Saltspring Air operates from its head office in Grace Point Square, Ganges, Salt Spring Island, with arrival and departure facilities in downtown Vancouver, Vancouver airport, Maple Bay and, most recently, Patricia Bay. Saltspring Air is a carbon neutral company. Details at www.saltspringair.com

Filed under: Salt Spring Air, Social media, Twitter by admin