Category Archives: Eastern Air Lines Group

Eastern Air Lines to operate from Houston for Havana Air Charters

Eastern Air Lines (2nd) (Miami) has issued this statement:

Havana Air Charters (Miami) continues its expansion into the Cuba market with their direct air carrier partner Eastern Air Lines Group, Inc.

Havana Air will begin weekly, nonstop service from Houston Bush Intercontinental Airport to Havana, Cuba giving U.S. West Coast gateway cities a more convenient and faster route to Cuba.

Havana Air is one of the largest providers of passenger traffic to the island, currently operating some 65 flights a month to Havana from Miami with additional service to Santa Clara and Camaguey.

Havana Air utilizes Eastern Air Lines Boeing 737-800 (Next Generation) aircraft, on the weekly flights, which will operate on Wednesdays starting in August.

Key Facts:

Havana Air will operate, with Eastern, weekly on Wednesdays, from Houston to Havana

Havana Air operates twice daily service to Havana and weekly service to Camaguey and Santa Clara from Miami.

Havana Air’s operations are supported by Eastern Air Lines Boeing 737-800 (Next Generation) aircraft, supporting some 65+ flights to Cuba monthly.

Havana Air is a licensed 14 CFR 380 Airline Charter Operator and holds OFAC CSP License # CU-2013-305073-2.

In other news, Eastern has added its second Boeing 737-800 (N277EA) as announced on their Twitter page:

Top Copyright Photo: Brian McDonough/AirlinersGallery.com.

Eastern Air Lines to operate its first revenue flight tomorrow

Eastern Air Lines (2nd) (Miami) will start revenue passenger operations tomorrow (May 27). The first flight will be depart from Miami International Airport (MIA) at 10 am (1000) bound for Havana, Cuba.

The airline made this announcement:

After 24 years, 4 months and 7 days, Eastern resumes revenue flight operations tomorrow. MIA-HAV-MIA. Time to re-earn our wings…

The new Eastern is planning to start operations on May 30 with an Honor Flight to Washington area

Eastern Air Lines (2nd) (Miami) is tentatively planning to commence revenue passenger charter operations on May 30 with a Boeing 737-800 charter flight from Miami to the Washington area (planned for BWI) according to the company. The first flight is contingent on receiving its Part 121 AOC. The company is advertising its first flight will be an Honor Flight bringing World War II and Korean War era veterans from South Florida to Washington and return.

On April 20 the new airline announced it had been tentatively been found fit by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and “is owned by a citizen of the U.S. and is fit, willing, and able to conduct interstate and foreign air transportation of persons, property and mail as a U.S. Certificated air carrier.”

The new airline also announced on April 20 its second flight attendant class started on the same day and the next pilot class will start on May 4.

Eastern will now start its FAA proving flights as a necessary next step towards receiving its Part 12 Air Operator Certificate (AOC).

Top Copyright Photo: Brian McDonough/AirlinersGallery.com. The first Boeing 737, the pictured ex-Kenya Airways Boeing 737-8AL N276EA (msn 35070), arrived with much fanfare and celebrations at Miami International Airport (MIA) on December 19, 2014. Since then the prospective airline has been going through the extensive certification process. New passenger airlines in the United States have become a rarity in the current airline consolidation period.

Eastern Airlines (1st) aircraft slide show:

Below: Eastern’s new flight attendant uniforms (Eastern Air Lines):

The new Eastern targets mid-March as launch date for charters pending FAA certification

Eastern Air Lines (2nd) (Eastern Air Lines Group) (Miami) is targeting mid-March as a possible start of charter operations pending its FAA part 121 certification process according to this article by the Miami Herald. Ultimately the new carrier will offer scheduled passenger operations with a focus on Latin America. Ironically the original Eastern sold its Latin American routes authorities to American Airlines (Dallas/Fort Worth). This sale led to the creation of American’s fortress Miami International Airport hub. The new Eastern will compete against American Airlines at MIA along with Spirit Airlines and JetBlue Airways from nearby Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and other foreign carriers at both airports. In other words, it is already a crowded field.

In its favor, the Eastern name has an instant brand identification in the South Florida market although both carriers are separate airlines with distinct investors.

Read the full article: CLICK HERE

Copyright Photo: Brian McDonough/AirlinersGallery.com. The former Kenya Airways Boeing 737-8AL N276EA (msn 35070) arrived at Miami International Airport to a large welcoming celebration on December 19, 2014. It is currently being modified to meet FAA standards.

The original Eastern aircraft slide show:

The Eastern name is back in Miami after nearly 24 years

Eastern Air Lines‘ (2nd) (Miami) Boeing 737-8AL N276EA (msn 3507) minutes ago brought the Eastern name back to Miami International Airport after nearly 24 years. The original Eastern Airlines (1st) (Miami) ceased operations on January 18, 1991.

Top Photo: Miami International Airport. N276EA was greeted at MIA after its long delivery flight from Shannon via Portsmouth with the traditional water cannon welcome.

Above Photo: Miami International Airport. The “Spirit of Captain Eddie Rickenbacker” adorns the nose of N276EA. The World War I fighter ace and national hero also lead the original Eastern. He was nearly killed in the crash of Eastern flight 21 at Candler Field (now Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport) on February 26, 1941.

Above Photo: Miami International Airport. At the welcoming ceremonies MIA Director Emilio T. Gonzalez presents Eastern CEO Ed Wegel a vintage photo of the 36th Street Terminal at Miami International circa 1949.

Bottom Copyright Photo: Brian McDonough/AirlinersGallery.com. Before landing, the flight crew in coordination with the Miami ATCT performed a low-altitude fly-by of runway 08L-26R at Miami International Airport. MIA lost two hub airlines in 1991, the first Eastern in January and Pan Am in December. Both names live on in South Florida with the many former employees living in Florida. There is no name recognition problem for the new Eastern in South Florida.

The Eastern name to return to the skies of South Florida this afternoon

Eastern Air Lines Group, Inc. (2nd) (Miami) today will bring back the Eastern name to the skies of South Florida. Boeing 737-8AL N276EA (msn 35070, ex 5Y-KYB) departed Shannon at 0026 UTC this morning bound for Portsmouth, New Hampshire (PSM). After clearing customs and immigration and refueling the 737 will continue to Miami International Airport (MIA). The aircraft will fly down the coast of South Florida to South Beach before turning to MIA where it is expected to arrive around 1500 (3 pm) to the traditional water cannon salute and official welcome. N276EA will be utilized for crew training and the FAA airline certification process. Once the Air Operators Certificate (AOC) is obtained in 2015 the airline is expected to start operations as a charter airline.

Above: The aircraft has now stopped at Portsmouth. Follow the progress of N276EA via FlightAware: CLICK HERE

The new Eastern describes its current status on its website:

In late 2011, a professional group of airline managers acquired the intellectual property of Eastern Air Lines to develop a new business and financing plan to re-launch the airline, and formed Eastern Air Lines Group, Inc.

The team put together a plan to re-launch Eastern to be based at Miami International Airport (“MIA”). It quickly established working relationships with strategic partners including the Miami Airport Authority, Amadeus and Boeing.

Eastern’s relationship with Amadeus dates back to Eastern’s reservation system, called System One. This system was eventually sold by Eastern and later became the core of the Amadeus system. Eastern also has a special and unique relationship with Boeing dating back to the 1930s– Eastern was the first to operate the Boeing 727 and the 757.

The team developed a multi-level business and financing plan that was successfully used to raise the capital required for Eastern to be certified under FAA Regulation Part 121. That work has commenced, led by one of the industry’s leading certification consultants, Locked On. Today, the new Eastern is working with various industry-leading aircraft leasing companies to assemble a fleet of 737–Next Generation aircraft, and has signed an initial order with Boeing for new 737-800 aircraft with deliveries commencing in April 2017.

In addition, Eastern has moved into its headquarters office space at Building 5A at MIA, which was the former Eastern Operations Center, a four story building at the corner of LeJeune and 36th Street, and which once housed all of Eastern’s system control and maintenance control centers, and other operating units.

Eastern has commenced its filings with the DOT and is currently preparing its formal submissions for the FAA. See News and Press Releases for updates.

Eastern Air Lines Group, Inc. has also formed several subsidiaries to assist in its growth in the years to come. These subsidiaries are “Eastern Shuttle” and “Eastern Express.” As well, Eastern has formed its new mileage and loyalty program, called “LatinOnePass,” also known as “LatinOne.”

Top Photo: Eastern Air Lines Group, Inc. A rainbow glistens the first aircraft of the new Eastern at Shannon. The aircraft is now registered as N276EA and appropriately named the “Spirit of Capt. Eddie Rickenbacker”.

Below Photo: Eastern Air Lines Group: The uniforms of the new Eastern:

A look back: Eastern Airlines (1st) aircraft slide show:

The new Eastern announces a new major investor

Eastern Air Lines (2nd) (Miami) has issued this statement:

Eastern Air Lines is pleased to announce the closing of its current equity round, with a major investment from Mr. Vincent Viola. Mr. Viola is an investor and entrepreneur whose business career has spanned over three decades. He previously rose to Chairman of the New York Mercantile Exchange, and is currently the Chairman of Virtu Financial, as well as the co-founder and a significant shareholder in Independent Bank in Texas and the owner of the Florida Panthers of the National Hockey League.

Mr. Viola is also a graduate of the United States Military Academy and New York Law School and has led the funding and creation of the Combating Terrorism Center at West Point. Over the past 30 years he has been a leading advocate for veteran’s issues and philanthropy.

“We are extremely honored to have Mr. Viola as our major shareholder and having the benefit of his broad business experience as a board member. He is a patriot as well as a highly accomplished business and civic leader, with a strong commitment to South Florida where Eastern is headquartered”, said Ed Wegel, Eastern’s President and CEO.

Mr. Viola commented, “I am delighted to be part of the re-launch of this great American company, and look forward to working closely with Eastern’s board and management in guiding the growth of this charter airline.”

The new carrier is hiring pilots. Previously on June 30 the company issued this statement:

Eastern Air Lines Group, Inc. has announced it is now accepting pilot applications online. Eastern plans to begin operating Boeing 737- 800 aircraft from its Miami base, subject to US government regulatory approval.

“This is an exciting time in our industry and Eastern will be providing good flight crew jobs with great promotion potential as we grow with 737 Next Generation aircraft, and eventually the 737 MAX,” said Eastern’s Vice President of Flight Operations, Captain John Furneaux.

Eastern is hiring Line Pilots and Check Airmen. The airline will initially hire a cadre of ten Captains and then additional hires of 25 to 30 pilots. Favorable consideration will be given to pilots with Boeing 737 and 757/767 type ratings. The airline expects pilots will have an extraordinary opportunity to advance rapidly during Eastern’s growth phase.

In addition, Eastern will offer compensation packages comparable to those of similar airlines.

Minimum qualifications include:

Valid FAA ATP Certificate
Current FAA First Class Medical Certificate
Valid FCC Restricted Radio Telephone Operator Permit
Favorable background check, including PRIA records examination, criminal history records check and National Driver Registry check
Bachelor degree
Current passport and legal eligibility to work in the United States
Current US driver’s license
Captain flight time minimums:
7000 hours total fixed-wing PIC/SIC flight time
2000 hours fixed-wing, turbo jet, PIC flight time
First Officer flight time minimums:
3000 hours total fixed-wing PIC/SIC flight time
1000 hours fixed-wing, turbo jet and/or turbo prop, PIC flight time

In addition to pilots, Eastern is seeking to fill a variety of other positions listed on the Career Opportunities page of its website. Interested and qualified candidates are encouraged to apply online.

Image: Eastern Air Lines.

Eastern Airlines (1st) Slide Show:

The new Eastern picks the Boeing 737-800 as its first aircraft type, will Spirit Airlines beat it to Miami?

Eastern Air Lines Group, Inc. (Miami), better known as the proposed “new Eastern”, has apparently selected the Boeing 737-800 as its first aircraft type. The new version of Eastern had previously looked at the Airbus A319 and later the A320.

On their website, the group has added a rendering of a Boeing 737-800 with Winglets in Eastern colors (above) with this photo caption:

This is the current artists rendering of an Eastern Boeing 737-800 in the Eastern livery. This aircraft, the “Spirit of Captain Eddie Rickenbacker” is expected to be delivered to Eastern in late Summer 2014.

As previously reported, in January 2014, the new Eastern filed an application with the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity.

When the first aircraft arrives, the new proposed airline will then go through the final Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 121 certification process leading to an Air Operators Certificate (AOC).

The new airline has proposed using Miami as its new hub.

Spirit Airlines is reportedly in negotiations to bring some of its ultra low-fare operations to Miami. Spirit Airlines has looked at Miami briefly in the past but decided to keep all of its South Florida operations at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL).

Read the report from Brian Andrews of CBS Miami: CLICK HERE

Image: Eastern Air Lines Group, Inc.

Eastern Airlines (1st) Slide Show:

Spirit Airlines Slide Show:

Will the Eastern name and brand return to Miami? CEO Ed Wegel wants to fly Airbus A320s in Eastern colors

Eastern Air Lines Group, Inc., (2nd) (Miami) has filed an application with the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity. Eastern plans on commencing its Part 121 certification with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) shortly and has retained legal counsel and consultants for this purpose.

“We are honored to have the opportunity to launch an airline bearing the iconic Eastern Air Lines name,” said Eastern’s President and CEO Edward Wegel. “We have recruited a world class board of directors and a highly experienced management team to guide and lead this effort.”

Eastern Air Lines Group, Inc. was formed to re–launch Eastern Air Lines as a passenger airline using the Airbus A320 aircraft from its main base of operations at Miami International Airport (MIA). Eastern’s headquarters is located in Building 5A at MIA.

Eastern Air Lines Group, Inc. is not affiliated with the former Eastern Air Lines, which operated from 1928 to 1991 as one of the largest U.S. domestic air carriers.

For more information visit www.easternairlines.aero and follow @FlyEastern.

Copyright Photo: Bruce Drum/AirlinersGallery.com. The original Eastern Airlines was the U.S. launch customer of the Airbus A300. Airbus A300B4-103 N213EA (msn 092) taxies to the gate (now American Airlines’ Terminal D on the north side) at Eastern’s old Miami International Airport hub. Eastern sold its Latin American routes to American Airlines.

Eastern Airlines (original):