Shipyard Brewing is announcing a new partnership that gets its famed Pumpkinhead seasonal beer on an airline for the first time. Cans of Pumpkinhead –along with cans of Shipyard’s flagship Export Ale and Island Time session IPA and two beers (Blueberry and Sunfish) from Shipyard’s sister Sea Dog brewery – are now on flights for Elite Airways.

“I’m pretty sure that Pumpkinhead is the first pumpkin beer served on an airline,” says Shipyard founder Fred Forsley, “It’ll be on Elite Airways flights through December as part of our seasonal correctness effort. This partnership will also boost awareness of Shipyard beers throughout the year.”

Elite Airways has been growing in popularity in the Maine travel market with its twice-weekly nonstop jet service between Portland Jetport (PWM) and Orlando-Melbourne International Airport (MLB). In November the airline will double its weekly flights between Portland and Melbourne and double flights to New York City/Newark (EWR) and Vero Beach Regional Airport (VRB). Elite is also adding twice-weekly nonstop service between Portland and Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ).

In recognition of the partnership, Elite decorated one of its Bombardier CRJ-200 jet airliners with the Shipyard logo and schooner ship to highlight the brewer and the Maine-based roots of both businesses.

“We’re proud of our Maine heritage,” says John Pearsall, President of Elite Airways, “and equally proud to support Shipyard Brewing Company and serve its craft beers to our customers. Shipyard has an excellent reputation 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,” says Fred Forsley, Shipyard Brewing co-founder and president. “We couldn’t be happier about Elite’s success and its expanded flights to Florida. This partnership is a great way to introduce people to Maine and our beer, while giving flyers a delicious craft beer to enjoy on their flight.”