ACA Response to UAL... J41 Transition

[On Your Six]

Note story below:


Atlantic Coast Airlines Announces Agreement to Exit United Express Program; Regional Jets Will Begin Flying for Company's Low-Fare Airline Independence Air After Being Upgraded
Monday April 5, 10:00 am ET


DULLES, Va., April 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Atlantic Coast Airlines Holdings, Inc. (ACA) (Nasdaq: ACAI - News) today announced it has reached an agreement with United Airlines providing for an orderly transition and exit plan for all its United Express aircraft as a result of United's decision to reject its agreement with ACA. The transition is scheduled to begin June 4, 2004 and continue through August 5, 2004. The agreement is subject to bankruptcy court approval. A hearing will be held on April 16, 2004.
This agreement clears a significant hurdle in the ongoing transition of Atlantic Coast Airlines from a fee-per-departure carrier to its new identity as Independence Air -- the low-fare airline that will serve Washington Dulles International Airport with a schedule of over 300 daily departures this summer to destinations across the U.S. The Independence Air operation at Washington Dulles will be the largest low-fare hub in America.

The last date of service for the ACA aircraft in the United Express schedule is as follows:

Date CRJs to Exit United Express J-41s to Exit
June 3 30 17
July 6 30 -
August 4 26 5


As each of the company's 50-passenger CRJ regional jets exits the United Express program, it will undergo a complete interior upgrade-including the installation of new leather slimline seating-as well as a complete exterior conversion to the new Independence Air logo and colors. They will be joined by a fleet of at least 25 Airbus A319s, which will allow Independence Air to serve destinations in Florida, the Midwest and the West Coast. The A319s also will be fitted with leather interiors in a single class configuration, and feature over 20 channels of live satellite TV in every seatback.

All the J-41 turboprop aircraft will be retired as they exit the United Express program, since Independence Air will operate an all-jet fleet.

The "preview" website for Independence Air is available now at FLYi.com. On the day the company officially announces its destinations and low-fare pricing, customers will immediately be able to begin making reservations directly on the website.

Web visitors who sign up for membership to the iCLUB will receive additional information about Independence Air services, and be offered the opportunity to take advantage of special offers and promotions that will be made available only to members.

Atlantic Coast Airlines currently operates as Delta Connection and United Express in the Eastern and Midwestern United States as well as Canada.

The company has a fleet of 142 aircraft -- including a total of 120 regional jets -- and offers 800 daily departures, serving over 80 destinations. The company employs approximately 4,100 aviation professionals.

For more information about Atlantic Coast Airlines Holdings, Inc., please visit our website at www.atlanticcoast.com. For more information about Independence Air, please visit our "preview" site at www.flyi.com.

 

[NEDude]

Just curious about something. Currently ACA has 800 departures a day. Independence Air is indicating 300 flight per day. Any idea on how many furloughs there will be?

 

[crashpad]

This is BIG, BIG news! ACA will be the envy of all feeder airlines and hopefully an inspiration to those who lead them.

 

[On Your Six]

So, if you are a J41 pilot, will you be heading off to CRJ school soon? When are the first Airbus pilots expected to be sent to training?

 

[avrodriver]

Is there a new contract that activates with the first operation of I Air flights in regard to CRJ rates? AD

 

[w4mch]

So, if you are a J41 pilot, will you be heading off to CRJ school soon? When are the first Airbus pilots expected to be sent to training?

Yes to J 41 pilots going to class soon, First Airbus Class is May 24 for IOE instructors. First line pilot classes start Aug 30 for the bus.

There will be pilots training and/or sitting around during the transition, but company announced no more furloughs unless Do-jets go away suddenly.

 

[GogglesPisano]

Just curious about something. Currently ACA has 800 departures a day. Independence Air is indicating 300 flight per day. Any idea on how many furloughs there will be?

Check your analysis. 300 a day OUT OF IAD. Double that to obtain the total number of departures per day. Tack on DLC flying (which may or may not last.)

 

[Dewey Oxberger]

To all Blue Ridgers:

All of us at Coex and the rest of the non-bottom feeders in the small jet industry are extremely grateful for the way you stood up to Ornstein and the MESA cancer. Best of luck to Indy Air and stick it to UAL and their f%(K!@& Bain Group!!!

 

[FlyComAirJets]

Truly a revolution in progress, best of luck guys.

UAL door mat NEVER, Independance Air FOREVER!!!

 

[j41driver]

Truly a revolution in progress, best of luck guys.

UAL door mat NEVER, Independance Air FOREVER!!!

Thanks....we're going to need every bit of luck we can get.

 

[AirBoard]

There will be pilots training and/or sitting around during the transition, but company announced no more furloughs unless Do-jets go away suddenly.

Now why'd you have to say that, look what you've done.
Let the furloughs begin, lets hope for a lengthy transition.

 

[Av8tor1]

So who will take over all the flying for United out of O'hare???

 

[BoilerUP]

My best guess?

Split between Trans States, Mesa and Skywest. Possibility of CHQ and Republic in the mix, or will they (along with Shuttle America) do all the IAD flying?

Who knows...