Vision Airlines, a low-cost carrier recently evicted from an Arkansas airport for unpaid bills, will launch twice-weekly nonstop service Friday from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Grand Bahama Island.

The Monday and Friday evening flights to the Freeport airport will use Boeing 737 jets.

Vision, based in Suwanee, Ga., was forced to halt service from Little Rock National Airport in Arkansas last month in a dispute over more than $50,000 in unpaid fees.  John C. Brantley, the RDU airport director, said he has taken steps to minimize RDU’s risk in dealing with Vision Airlines.

“They were in three or four airports where they pulled out fairly quickly,” Brantley said. “Their track record certainly is not the best in the world, so we have gone to the extreme to make sure we were protected from any potential default on their part.”

He said Vision will operate through a contract with Raleigh-based Charter Express, an established tenant at RDU. ... [MORE]

Assuming the recession hasn't wiped out your vacation plans, here's some good news: Soaking up the sun or gambling in the Bahamas will soon get a little easier.

Vision Airlines plans to begin direct flights between Raleigh-Durham International Airport and Grand Bahama Island on Nov. 4. The flights will start at $99 each way and run on Mondays and Fridays.

It's the first commercial service for Vision at RDU, although the company has offered charter flights at the airport since 2008. The new flights are part of a broader expansion by Vision in other markets.

"There is definitely potential to add more flights to RDU," said Vision spokeswoman Gini Strobel. "We are sure the flights to Grand Bahama Island will be successful, and we hope to consider more routes for RDU in the future."