Apple, based in Newtown Square, is one of the nation's largest tour operators. The UPS planes have 113 seats on an airplane that could hold 130, giving passengers one to three inches more legroom than they get in the coach section of most scheduled airlines. The planes' restrooms, installed three years ago, are larger and fresher than those on many scheduled carriers. On the flight to Freeport, passengers were served a meal on a tray, with a hot pasta entree, salad, bread and a cookie. It's very pleasant.
People expect a bad flight now.
Here, we get to turn it around. I'm very proud of my job. UPS started its passenger charter program in 1997, after company staffers and a consultant determined that money could be made by converting some older 727s, which usually fly packages just four nights a week, into passenger planes on weekends. The planes already had windows and the electrical wiring needed for lights and air vents at each passenger's seat. The restrooms are installed permanently on the planes.