American Eagle Airlines (2nd) (Dallas/Fort Worth) is a subsidiary of the new American Airlines Group (Dallas/Fort Worth). In a lot of ways the regional jet carrier is now the step-child of the Group and fighting for its future. The current American Eagle (not the brand that several carriers are now flying under) was created on May 15, 1998 as a consolidation of four AMR-owned regional carriers, namely Simmons Airlines, Executive Airlines (3rd), Flagship Airlines and Wings West Airlines. The pilots of the carriers signed a single contract in August 1998 creating the large feeder airline for parent American Airlines. American Eagle used the AOC of Simmons Airlines. The MQ code of Simmons has been retained.
American Eagle has had an important role in the history of American Airlines. Today it is fighting for new contracts and its life.
The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) represents the present-day pilots of American Eagle Airlines. The new management team of the American Airlines Group are demanding a new (lower benefits) contract with the pilots to bring their contract in line with the new American Group regional model, i.e. PSA Airlines, which will be flying a new batch of regional aircraft for American as a new American Eagle carrier.
The pilots of American Eagle Airlines are now facing a difficult decision, accept the new contract which cuts benefits or gradually see its fleet dissolve and be transferred to the other lower cost American Eagle units like PSA Airlines (Dayton).
Will the original American Eagle follow the same path of Delta Air Lines’ Comair and go out of business?
Terry Maxon of the Dallas News explores this interesting and important question in his excellent column. The column includes union messages on the subject.
Read the full story: CLICK HERE
American Eagle Airlines will soon announce a new name to distinguish itself from the other carriers operating under the American Eagle brand.
Copyright Photo: Tony Storck/AirlinersGallery.com. American Eagle Airlines’ (2nd) Embraer ERJ 145LR (EMB-145LR) N928AE (msn 14500911) lands at Baltimore/Washington.