A Real Gamble
New nonstop flights to Atlantic City make gamblers — and a Houston billionaire — happy
We're betting that Tilman Fertitta is a happy man today, since United Airlines announced new nonstop service between Houston and Atlantic City. Soon Texas gamblers will have a direct route to the Houston billionaire's recently-renovated Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino in the New Jersey capital, as an alternative to Las Vegas, where Fertitta also owns a Golden Nugget.
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and United CEO Jeff Smisek announced the service at a news conference at Newark Liberty International Airport on Thursday. Service is scheduled to start on April Fool's Day next year.
“I thank Gov. Christie for fostering a business-friendly climate that has enabled New Jersey to remain a critical hub for global aviation,” Smisek said in a statement. “United’s new Atlantic City service will drive business, tourism and economic development throughout the southern part of the state.”
The daily flights on a 50-seat Embraer jet operated by United Express carrier Express Jet will depart Houston daily at 7 p..m., arriving in Atlantic City at 11:20 p.m. The return flight will depart Atlantic City at 6 a.m. and arrive in Houston at 8:49 a.m.