03.11.2023 - 12:06 UTC
Texan charter carrier Hillwood Airways (HWA, Fort Worth Alliance) is rebranding as "Eastern Air Express" following its recent acquisition by Eastern Airlines (2D, Miami International) parent Eastern Air Holdings.
A regulatory filing reveals the new name was registered by the US Department of Transportation (DOT) on October 31, 2023, after it found no conflicting issues with the application lodged in compliance with regulations which require air carriers to register alternative trade names with the DOT and notify similarly named carriers.
Eastern Air Holdings acquired 100% of Hillwood Airways in August 2023. The carrier confirmed that Eastern Air Holdings, Inc. has exclusive rights to the "Eastern" name for air transportation and has no objections to Hillwood's use of the trade name. "The Department notes that there are no similarly named air carriers or other issues that require resolution under Part 215," the DOT stated. Hillwood Airways previously rebranded from ATX Air Services (Fort Worth Alliance) (2013-2016).
The new brand should not be confused with Florida-based charter carrier Eastern Air Express...
10.10.2023 - 17:45 UTC
The New England Patriots (NEP), an American football team, have filed suit against Eastern Airlines (2D, Miami International) in the New York Southern District Court in Manhattan, claiming at least USD22.8 million in damages after the airline allegedly failed to fulfil its contract to provide air charters using two leased B767-300ERs for six seasons of the team's National Football League (NFL) away games.
According to the complaint filed on October 3, 2023, the NEP, along with 2/25/94 LLC, the company that leased the aircraft, is seeking double or treble damages, along with reimbursement for attorney's fees, accusing the airline of commercial extortion under the Massachusetts Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practices Act.
They claim that Eastern Airlines, halfway through a six-year contract in July 2023, tried to force the Patriots into renegotiating their existing contract by presenting an ultimatum, demanding more payment than what was initially agreed upon, or terminating the contract, which would have left the team without an air service provider on the eve of the upcoming NFL season, and with no...
24.08.2023 - 22:26 UTC
Eastern Air Holdings, the parent of Eastern Airlines (2D, Miami International), has finalised the acquisition of a 100% stake in Texas-based passenger charter specialist Hillwood Airways (HWA, Fort Worth Alliance), although both airlines will continue to operate under their existing brands.
The transaction was concluded on August 15, 2023. Eastern Airlines said in a US Department of Transportation application for the transfer of certificates that it would "coordinate sales and marketing" with Hillwood Airways and "assess in the future whether to merge their operating certificates". The de facto transfer of Hillwood Airways' certificates of public necessity and convenience is a procedural step allowing the airlines to offer a full range of services and is not equivalent to the merger of their respective Part 121 AOCs.
"Hillwood Airways has a tremendous reputation for safety and service within the charter industry and among its customers. We look forward to scaling its operation and building on its success," Eastern Air Holding Chief Executive Kenneth Wooley said.
Hillwood Airways currently operates a fleet of three B737-700s...
07.02.2023 - 23:10 UTC
After attempting to hose down speculation, Mitsubishi Heavy Industry (MHI) subsidiary Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation (Nagoya Chubu) has confirmed it is quitting the civil aircraft manufacturing business and drawing a line under its troubled SpaceJet program. In a February 7 statement, MHI announced the news which Japanese media had began reporting 24 hours earlier.
"Mitsubishi Heavy Industries announces the discontinuation of SpaceJet development activities," the statement said. In a statement released the previous day, MRI rebutted the breaking media reports. "While it is true that MHI is considering a variety of possibilities regarding this matter, we will release any information requiring disclosure promptly in the event that any decision has been made," that statement said.
The axing of the SpaceJet program, which had its aircraft launch date delayed six times and has incurred development costs of approximately JPY1 trillion yen (USD7.6 billion dollars), also ends Japan's hopes of reviving its domestic aircraft manufacturing industry. In 2020, further work on the SpaceJet program was suspended to cut development costs.
Work on the SpaceJet, formerly...
