Eastern May Fly Again Out Of MIA
MIAMI (CBSMiami) – If an air carrier group has its way, a familiar name will return to Miami International Airport.
The Eastern Air Lines Group, Inc. is trying to re-launch Eastern Air Lines as a passenger airline with its main base of operations at Miami International in Buidling 5A, which is where the former Eastern Air Lines had its operation center.
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. It did however acquire the old Eastern's intellectual property several years ago with plans to launch a new airline, according to CBS4 news partner The Miami Herald.
"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.
The company has applied to the United States Department of Transportation for a certificate of public convenience and necessity and plans to start its required certification with the Federal Aviation Administration.
The plan is to begin flights in 2014 once the needed approvals are given. Spokeswoman Maria Schnabel told the Miami Herald that the airline will initially fly charter service for tour operators.
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