Quick Takes – Lynx, Big Sky, Skyways, Embraer, Pinnacle

Frontier Advances Lynx Mountain Launches Frontier will begin its new Lynx Aviation regional services nearly a month ahead of its original schedule advancing its new Aspen, Durango and Grand Junction service April 26, April 22 and May first. The three will roll out just after Lynx launches Colorado Springs on...

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Frontier Advances Lynx Mountain Launches
Frontier will begin its new Lynx Aviation regional services nearly a month ahead of its original schedule advancing its new Aspen, Durango and Grand Junction service April 26, April 22 and May first. The three will roll out just after Lynx launches Colorado Springs on April 15. Durango, Aspen and Grand Junction were originally set for inauguration on May 15. The change is related to getting the Bombardier Q400s into revenue service as soon as possible because, according to the airline, they are now operating at a “suboptimal” level until the Q400s launch to the valuable mountain and resort destinations that have little competition.

Big Sky Employees Fail in Buyout
MAIR Holdings rejected a buyout offer from Big Sky employees trying to save the airline from its March 8 shutdown. The airline’s president, Fred deLeeuw, indicated the assets would be liquidated and MAIR would cease to exist by the fall. The employees formed Phoenix Acquisition LLC to buy the airline, according to the Billings Gazette. The routes assigned to Big Sky by the Department of Transportation will go to fellow Essential Air Service carrier Great Lakes which plans to launch service to the seven Montana points in July after an three-month hiatus owing to a lack of aircraft and pilots.

Midwest Responds to Skyway Pilot Charges
In response to ALPA’s assertions that Midwest Airlines was discriminating against pilots with the severance pay for Skyways pilots who will lose their jobs as the Midwest subsidiary becomes an aviation services company, Midwest Airlines said that “severance is not stipulated in our pilot contract, nor is it in any carrier ALPA contract that we're aware of,” said Spokesperson Michael Brody. He noted that the company agreed to provide additional COBRA coverage and have been working with the Skyway pilots and other airlines setting up job fair and interview opportunities. He also said that management has heard nothing further on the issue.
The Skyway pilots union, a unit of the ALPA, reported Skyway management refused to offer Skyway pilots severance packages. Skyway, dba Midwest Connect, announced in January that it will cease its flight operations in April, effectively terminating more than 190 pilot jobs. Midwest has tasked SkyWest with taking over all Midwest Connect operations. Related Story

Embraer in Preliminary Discussions with Argentine Government
Embraer confirmed it is negotiating with the Argentine government to establish an aviation cooperation plan. The announcement came last week after a meeting between Presidents Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, of Brazil, and Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, of Argentina. During the discussions held between Embraer and Argentine government agencies, it was found, on the one hand, that there is the possibility of selling Embraer aircraft to the Argentine market and, on the other, that the Area Material Cordoba (AMC) could be enabled to provide maintenance services and produce parts for Embraer's civilian aircraft. At the present time, there is no commitment signed between the parties.

Pinnacle Airlines Signs Dispatch 100 Contract with Rockwell Collins
Pinnacle Airlines awarded Rockwell Collins a Dispatch 100 service contract to support its 16 new Bombardier CRJ 900 Delta Connection fleet. Under the terms of the 10-year contract, Rockwell Collins will provide Pinnacle Airlines with spares ownership, logistics management, maintenance repair and on-site technical support under a single per flight hour price and a single point of contact.
Dispatch 100 combines industry leading repair cycle times with spares ownership and reliable on-wing performance to deliver guaranteed availability. Rockwell Collins total life cycle service solution includes spares management, distribution, component repair and overhaul, and component reliability improvements. Dispatch 100 customers realize guaranteed dispatch ability and revenue savings through this turn-key program.
“Pinnacle Airlines joins a growing number of Dispatch 100 customers that benefit from reduced cycle times and improved performance,” said Kent Statler, executive vice president of Rockwell Collins Services. “Our proven track record with this program reflects our ability to deliver the best value and service to our expanding customer base.”