Elite Airways and Shipyard Brewing Company Take to the Skies to Spotlight Maine-based Partnership

Two popular Maine-based businesses, Elite Airways LLC and Shipyard Brewing Company today announced a marketing partnership to offer Shipyard beer for purchase on Elite Airways flights starting this month. Shipyard beer, which is available in more than 20 seasonal and year-round favorites, will now be available on all Elite flights throughout the US. In recognition of the partnership, the airline also unveiled new artwork on its Bombardier CRJ-200 jet airliner that features the Shipyard logo and schooner ship, which underscores the Maine-based heritage of both businesses. Elite Airways operates a fleet of Bombardier CRJ-200 and CRJ-700 jet airliners known for comfort and efficiency, and maintains an impeccable safety record.

Elite Airways has been growing in popularity in the Maine travel market with its twice-weekly nonstop jet service between the Portland Jetport (PWM) and Orlando-Melbourne International Airport (MLB). Recently, the airline announced that it is doubling weekly flights between Portland and Melbourne to 4 days a week starting next month, expanding flights between New York City/Newark (EWR) and Vero Beach Regional Airport (VRB) to 4 days a week, and adding twice-weekly nonstop service between Portland and Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) starting next month.

Founded in 1994, Shipyard Brewing Company is a family owned brewery based in Portland, Maine. Last year, the company produced and shipped 1,961,500 cases of beer to more than 46 US states, and exported its products to 7 countries. Shipyard’s partnership with Elite stems from the strength of both companies’ ties in Maine and Florida. Shipyard’s ties to Florida date back to 1997 when it opened the first airport brewery in the world in Orlando. Today, Shipyard has two sister breweries in Florida—a 3 barrel system on Palm Parkway in Orlando and a 20 barrel brewery in Clearwater.

“Elite Airways is proud of its Maine heritage and equally proud to support Shipyard Brewing Company in helping them introduce new products and increase consumer awareness,” said John Pearsall, President of Elite Airways. “Shipyard has an excellent reputation in the market and this partnership is a win-win for us and our customers, especially within Florida which is an important market for both of our businesses.”

“It’s very exciting to partner with another Maine company to bring people from Florida to Maine and for passengers to be able to enjoy a Shipyard beer on their trip is well overdue,” said Shipyard Brewing Company Co-founder and President, Fred Forsley. “We couldn’t be happier about Elite’s success in expanding flights to Florida. This partnership is a great way to introduce people to Maine and to our beer.”

More About Shipyard

Shipyard Brewing Company is a family owned brewery – rooted in tradition and brimming with innovation. Its award-winning beer is handcrafted by a talented team of brewers. Established in 1994, Shipyard is located on the historic waterfront in Portland, Maine and produces 20 varieties of award-winning beers. More information can be found at www.shipyard.com.