Category Archives: American Eagle

American selects PSA Airlines to operate 24 additional Bombardier CRJ900 aircraft

PSA Airlines (2nd) (Dayton) has been selected by American Airlines (Dallas/Fort Worth) to operate 24 new Bombardier CRJ900 NextGen aircraft. This aircraft assignment to PSA follows American exercising 24 of its 40 CRJ900 NextGen aircraft options. The options were originally acquired as part of American’s large regional jet order announced in December 2013.

PSA will induct the 24 additional CRJ900 NextGen aircraft beginning in November 2015, with all aircraft being received by August 2016. These modern and fuel-efficient aircraft will be operated under the American Eagle brand and will provide American’s customers with a seamless transition between mainline and regional flights. The CRJ900 NextGen aircraft offers modern cabin elements including oversized overhead bins, all-leather seating and inflight Wi-Fi. The 76-seat jet features a two-class configuration with 12 First Class, 36 Main Cabin Extra and 28 Main Cabin seats, allowing American to offer an unsurpassed regional customer experience in its most competitive markets.

PSA Airlines continued:

Since 2013, PSA has experienced significant fleet and job growth. During this time the carrier, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Airlines Group operating an all Bombardier fleet, has announced the addition of these 24 CRJ900 NextGen aircraft, 30 previously announced CRJ900s NextGen aircraft and 47 CRJ700s. PSA’s fleet growth has resulted in more than 700 newly hired employees in the past year and a multitude of career and advancement opportunities for every workgroup. PSA’s pilot training program is recognized as one of the industry’s best, preparing crew members for a career with a rapidly expanding fleet of state-of-the-art regional jets. The company’s 1,900 employees currently operate nearly 400 daily flights to more than 80 destinations.

PSA has flight crew bases located in Dayton, Knoxville, Tennessee, and Charlotte, North Carolina, and maintains maintenance facilities in Dayton and Akron/Canton, Ohio, as well Charlotte.

Copyright Photo: Jay Selman/AirlinersGallery.com. PSA currently operates 19 CRJ900s with another 11 to be delivered this year. PSA Airlines’ Bombardier CRJ900 (CL-600-2D24) N555NN (msn 15338) departs from the Charlotte hub.

American Eagle-PSA Airlines aircraft slide show:

http://airlinersgallery.smugmug.com/Airlines-UnitedStates-1/Airlines-UnitedStates-1/American-Eagle-PSA-Airlines

American to drop American Eagle service between Louisville and New York LaGuardia

American Airlines (New York) will drop American Eagle nonstop service between Louisville, Kentucky and New York (LaGuardia) on March 29 due to low demand according to Louisville Business First.

The route is operated by Republic Airlines (2nd) using Embraer ERJ 175s.

Read the full report: CLICK HERE

Copyright Photo: Tony Storck/AirlinersGallery.com. Embraer ERJ 170-200LR (ERJ 175) N421YX (msn 17000386) taxies at Baltimore/Washington.

American Eagle aircraft slide show:

http://airlinersgallery.smugmug.com/Airlines-UnitedStates-1/Airlines-UnitedStates-1/American-Eagle-2nd-Republic-Ai

American Airlines to introduce Embraer ERJ 175 service between Los Angeles and San Francisco

American Airlines (Dallas/Fort Worth) will introduce Embraer ERJ 175 American Eagle service between Los Angeles and San Francisco starting on April 14. Compass Airlines (Minneapolis/St. Paul) will operate the twice-daily service per Airline Route.

Compass Airlines will operate 20 ERJ 175s as a new American Eagle carrier. The first delivery is due in March.

Currently Envoy Air (CRJ700s), Mesa Airlines (CRJ900s) and SkyWest Airlines (CRJ200s) operate American Eagle regional routes from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

Copyright Photo: Jay Selman/AirlinersGallery.com. Republic Airlines (2nd) (call sign “Brickyard”) currently operates the type as an American Eagle carrier. Embraer ERJ 170-200LR (ERJ 175) N136HQ (msn 17000226) approaches the runway at Charlotte Douglas International Airport.

American Eagle-Republic aircraft slide show:

http://airlinersgallery.smugmug.com/Airlines-UnitedStates-1/Airlines-UnitedStates-1/American-Eagle-2nd-Republic-Ai

Compass Airlines to operate Embraer 175s from Los Angeles for American Airlines

Compass Airlines (Minneapolis/St. Paul) as we previously reported is becoming an American Eagle operator starting on March 29. Per Airline Route, Compass will operate new Embraer ERJ 175s from Los Angeles International Airport for American Airlines (Dallas/Fort Worth) initially to Denver and Houston (Bush Intercontinental) with daily service.

Copyright Photo: Rob Finlayson/AirlinersGallery.com. Republic Airlines also operates the Embraer 175 as an American Eagle carrier. Embraer ERJ 170-200LR (ERJ 175) N422YX (msn 170000387) approaches the runway at the Miami International Airport hub.

American Eagle-Republic Airlines aircraft slide show:

http://airlinersgallery.smugmug.com/Airlines-UnitedStates-1/Airlines-UnitedStates-1/American-Eagle-2nd-Republic-Ai

Compass Airlines to start operating as an American Eagle carrier on March 29

Compass Airlines (Minneapolis/St. Paul), a wholly owned subsidiary of Trans States Holdings, Inc., will start operating for American Airlines (Dallas/Fort Worth) as a new American Eagle carrier on March 29 per ch-aviation.

Previously American Airlines announced Compass would operate 20 new 76-seat Embraer ERJ 175 aircraft owned by American Airlines, Inc. Compass expects to begin taking delivery of the aircraft in March. The agreement also provides American the option to place additional ERJ 175 aircraft it owns with Compass in the future.

American Airlines, a subsidiary of American Airlines Group Inc., announced in December 2013 it had signed agreements with Embraer S.A. to purchase 60 new 76-seat ERJ 175 regional jets, with options for up to 90 additional aircraft.

The addition of these 20 American aircraft will increase the fleet size of Compass Airlines to 62 aircraft, all of which are either Embraer ERJ 175 or ERJ 170 aircraft.

Compass currently operates Embraer ERJ 170 and ERJ 175 regional jets for Delta Air Lines as a Delta Connection carrier.

Envoy Air’s pilots vote to ratify the new tentative agreement, Envoy to get 40 new Embraer 175s

Envoy Air (American Eagle) (subsidiary of American Airlines Group) (Dallas/Fort Worth) will continue to grow. The pilots, represented by ALPA, have approved the tentative agreement hatched out between the company management and ALPA (MEC) representing the pilots. Envoy issued this statement today:

Pilots at Envoy Air Inc., an American Airlines Group wholly owned regional carrier, have voted to ratify a Tentative Agreement reached between the carrier and the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA). This agreement was ratified by a vote among Envoy’s more than 2,400 pilots and allows Envoy to now offer all existing and future pilots a direct career progression to American Airlines, the world’s largest mainline carrier. In addition, it provides Envoy with a firm fleet commitment of 40 new fuel-efficient 76-seat Embraer ERJ 175 (E175) aircraft and the opportunity to operate up to 90 more E175s, if American exercises those options.

“We are very pleased our pilots voted to ratify the Tentative Agreement that offers them new, large and modern aircraft to fly and faster career advancement at both Envoy and American Airlines,” said Envoy’s president and CEO, Pedro Fabregas. “This agreement also lays the foundation for Envoy to become a stronger and more successful company for all of our more than 14,000 employees. My sincere thanks to Envoy ALPA and its Master Executive Council (MEC), as well as ALPA president Lee Moak, ALPA executive administrator Tim Canoll and MEC chairman Sam Pool for their hard work and dedication to reach this agreement.”

According to ALPA, Envoy Air pilots completed voting on the proposed changes to the Collective Bargaining Agreement. Of the 91.57% of eligible Envoy pilots who voted, 75% voted to accept these changes.

Copyright Photo: Rob Finlayson/AirlinersGallery.com. The Embraer ERJ 145 fleet is likely to continue to shrink as the larger and newer Embraer ERJ 175s join the Envoy fleet. ERJ 145LR (EMB-145LR) N659AE (msn 145762) arrives at the Miami hub.

American Eagle-Envoy Air aircraft slide show:

http://airlinersgallery.smugmug.com/Airlines-UnitedStates-1/Airlines-UnitedStates-1/American-Eagle-Envoy

American to add Gogo inflight wireless services to all two-class regional jets

American Airlines Group (Dallas/Fort Worth) has announced as a part of its $2 billion investment to give customers a world-class travel experience, American Airlines will upgrade its regional fleet by adding Gogo inflight wireless services to all two-class regional jets. Nearly 250 of American’s regional aircraft will have inflight wireless Internet service installed by 2016. With this installation, the world’s largest airline will have the largest fleet of connected regional jets.

American currently has nearly 850 aircraft with Gogo services and leverages Gogo’s air-to-ground (ATG) service and its next generation ATG-4 technology. Approximately 70 of these 850 aircraft are two-class regional jets.

Having ordered more than 500 new aircraft – with nearly two planes arriving each week through 2016 – American will offer customers the youngest fleet of any U.S.-based network carrier. New aircraft deliveries include 90 large regional jets, the Embraer 175 and Bombardier CRJ900. These modern and fuel-efficient 76-seat jets provide customers with a top-tier regional product with First Class, Main Cabin Extra and Main Cabin seating, larger overhead bins, more spacious lavatories and leather seats with adjustable headrests.

The American Eagle and US Airways Express regional networks operate about 2,600 daily flights for American Airlines and US Airways, respectively. These flights serve 240 destinations throughout the United States, Canada, the Bahamas, the Caribbean and Mexico. Eventually all regional service will be operated under the American Eagle brand and livery.

American marked the one-year anniversary of its merger earlier this week by announcing more than $2 billion in investments to give its customers a world-class travel experience. These investments include expanding inflight entertainment and connectivity. The airline is adding satellite-based Internet access to its international fleet including all Boeing 777s and 787s, Airbus A330s, and retrofitted Boeing 767-300s and 757s. New 737s, nearly all new A321s, as well as retrofitted A319s also will have power ports in every row. All new widebody deliveries, including 777-300 ERs and 787s, come with power at every seat, allowing customers to charge their laptops and personal electronic devices from gate to gate. American also will be investing in fully lie-flat seats, more inflight entertainment options, a new, modern design for Admirals Club lounges worldwide, and an upgraded assortment of complimentary healthy food, cocktails and more.

Copyright Photo: Jay Selman/AirlinersGallery.com. Republic Airlines’ (2nd) Embraer ERJ 170-200LR (ERJ 175) N137HQ (msn 17000231) arrives at the Charlotte hub.

American Airlines aircraft slide show (current livery):

American Eagle-Republic aircraft slide show:

http://airlinersgallery.smugmug.com/Airlines-UnitedStates-1/Airlines-UnitedStates-1/American-Eagle-2nd-Republic-Ai

Envoy Air pilots are now at a critical decision point

Envoy Air (formerly American Eagle Airlines) (Dallas/Fort Worth) is at a critical point in its history. The subsidiary of the American Airlines Group (AAG) has been shrinking as the pilots of Envoy Air continue their often tense negotiations with AAG management. The AAG has been reassigning Envoy aircraft as the Envoy pilot base shrinks.

Now the Envoy MEC, representing the pilots of Envoy, has reached another tentative agreement (TA) with AAG management. This TA will now go to the pilots for their vote. It is likely to be the final vote on a new contract. Sam Pool, Envoy MEC Chairman, has sent this message to the Envoy pilots:

December 7, 2014

Fellow Envoy Pilots,

The Envoy MEC reconvened early this morning in Washington, DC to consider a final proposal from company representatives. After another full day of intense negotiations and discussions, late tonight the MEC approved a tentative agreement (TA), endorsing and supporting its ratification by the membership. The MEC believes this TA is the best obtainable agreement, and provides the best path forward for Envoy pilots given our circumstances.

To say this has been a difficult process is an understatement. All quadrants of our diverse pilot group will be affected by some factors of this agreement, and our reps have not taken this decision lightly. It has been one year since this process began, and to this end, our negotiators, officers and the entire ALPA leadership have ensured that they have achieved as much as possible in return for the re-fleeting of our airline.

We’ve reached a point where the final decision rests with you, and a ratification vote will be conducted in the near future. The MEC is planning roadshows beginning this week, and will conduct several all pilot conference calls. We will provide you a list of specific times and locations for all roadshows and pilot conference calls in a future email.

Thank you for your continued professionalism and support.

In Unity
Sam Pool
Envoy MEC Chairman

Copyright Photo: Ton Jochems/AirlinersGallery.com. Bombardier CRJ700 (CL-600-2C10) N534AE (msn 10312) of Envoy Air awaits its next assignment from the Chicago O’Hare Airport hub.

American Eagle-Envoy Air aircraft slide show:

http://airlinersgallery.smugmug.com/Airlines-UnitedStates-1/Airlines-UnitedStates-1/American-Eagle-Envoy

Trans States confirms it will operate at least 15 Embraer ERJ 145s for American

Trans States Airlines (St. Louis) has confirmed our previous report that the company will operate at least 15 former Envoy Air Embraer ERJ 145s under the American Eagle brand starting in April 2015 (see update below). The carrier was a former American Connection carrier. The airline issued this statement:

Trans States Airlines, a wholly owned subsidiary of Trans States Holdings, Inc., has announced that it has finalized an agreement with American Airlines to operate at least 15 Embraer ERJ 145 aircraft under the American Eagle brand. Deliveries are slated to begin in April of 2015 at a rate of two per month until all aircraft are in place.

“We’re thrilled to renew our relationship with American Airlines and are delighted by the current and future opportunities that this growth will provide to our employees,” said Richard Leach, President and Chief Executive Officer of Trans States Airlines. “We look forward to providing American Airlines with the same safe, efficient and quality-focused service that our mainline partners have come to expect.”

“The Embraer 145s are an important part of our regional operation to ensure customers in small- and medium-size markets can access our growing global network from their communities,” said Kenji Hashimoto, senior vice president of regional carriers for American Airlines. “Trans States Airlines has been a solid regional partner of American Airlines and US Airways for many years, as well as a reliable performer with the E145 aircraft.”

Trans States Airlines previously provided regional service for American under the American Connection brand from 2001 to 2009, and has provided regional service for US Airways nearly continuously since 1993. It currently operates a fleet of 29 Embraer 145s and announced earlier this month that it will operate an additional 36 for United starting in February of 2015.

Update: Trans States Airlines will start operating as an American Eagle carrier on March 4, 2015.

Copyright Photo: Bruce Drum/AirlinersGallery.com. Trans States operated as an American Connection carrier from November 2001 through May 2009. Embraer ERJ 145LR (EMB-145LR) N811HK (msn 145256) arrives at Charlotte.

American Airlines Group to move 50 Envoy Air Embraer ERJ 145s to other American Eagle carriers

American Airlines Group (Dallas/Fort Worth) has informed subsidiary Envoy Air (formerly American Eagle Airlines) (Dallas/Fort Worth) that will it transfer 50 Embraer ERJ 145s to Piedmont Airlines (2nd) (Salisbury, MD) and Trans States Airlines (30 aircraft) (St. Louis) starting March 2015. One other carrier that has not been specified will also receive Envoy aircraft. The number of pilots at Envoy has been declining. The pilots of Envoy did not accept the last contract offer from the AAG.

Yesterday Sam Pool, Envoy MEC Chairman, sent the following message to the pilots of Envoy:

November 21, 2014

My Fellow Envoy Pilots –

Today management announced the long-anticipated news that AAG is moving aircraft from Envoy to other carriers. Starting in March 2015, 30 of our Embraer 145 series aircraft will transfer to Trans State Airlines and another express carrier at the rate of 2 aircraft per carrier per month. In 2016, another tranche of aircraft will transfer to Piedmont.

While we are clearly disappointed at the thought of losing four aircraft per month, and the 10 pilot jobs each aircraft represents, the harsh fact is that Envoy is currently losing pilots at an even faster rate as our colleagues seek more rewarding careers elsewhere.

We are beyond disappointed that the sacrifice of economic and operational flexibility that this workgroup provided to our parent corporation during the darkest hours of bankruptcy are now considered insufficient and we again find ourselves facing the demands of concessions in exchange for a viable future.

That said, our disappointment should not cloud the reality that we face today. Our reality is that other pilot groups in our segment of the industry have demonstrated their willingness to accept concessions in exchange for new and larger aircraft, and have subsequently agreed to reduce the pilot costs. If we wish to compete in this market, we simply have no choice but to recognize that reality and decide a course of action.

While it is true that AAG is honoring our bankruptcy contract, the unpleasant fact is that they believe that they can obtain lower cost regional flying from other carriers, and have demonstrated that they will award new aircraft and new flying to those other carriers, leaving our contract and our pilots in an awkward status quo.

AAG’s senior management has made it clear that they desire the new aircraft be flown by the pilots of Envoy. And they have also made it clear that they believe we should cost less. For these reasons, they have remained quietly engaged with your MEC in an attempt to effectuate a mutually acceptable agreement that gently nudges our forward looking economics closer to the perceived market in exchange for the enhanced career security sought by our workgroup.

The entire MEC remains committed to working with the company to find an agreement that satisfies the needs of both parties, and which we can endorse as the best path forward. We believe that such an agreement is within reach.

Thank you for your professionalism and patience, and as always don’t hesitate to contact your representatives.

Copyright Photo: Brian McDonough/Airlinersgallery.com. Embraer ERJ 145LR (EMB-145LR) N928AE (msn 14500911) operated by Envoy Air arrives in Baltimore/Washington.

American Eagle-Envoy Air:

http://airlinersgallery.smugmug.com/Airlines-UnitedStates-1/Airlines-UnitedStates-1/American-Eagle-Envoy