Graham Warwick/ATLANTA
American Airlines and its pilots union have tentatively agreed a complex formula governing the introduction of regional jets by commuter arm AMR Eagle. The agreement foresees the acquisition of up to 218 45- to 70-seat regional jets by 2009, but limits AMR Eagle to a maximum of 67 aircraft by the year 2000.
The agreement is included in a mediated contract now being drawn up for approval by the Allied Pilots Association (APA), representing American's cockpit crews. The tentative deal appears designed to control the growth of Eagle's jet operations by tying regional-jet purchases to the addition of aircraft to American's jet-powered fleet.
When American has 628 or fewer aircraft (it now operates 608), Eagle's regional jets cannot exceed 9% of the combined American and Eagle jet-airliner fleet. Between 628 and 700 aircraft, Eagle can add one jet airliner for every three bought by American. Beyond 700, Eagle can add one jet airliner for every two bought by American.
The maximum number of regional jets Eagle can acquire during the five-year term of the contract is 67, an average of 17 a year beginning in 1997. AMR, parent company of American and Eagle, is evaluating the Bombardier Canadair Regional Jet and Embraer EMB-145 50-seaters, and is a target for the yet-to-be-launched Aero International (Regional) AIR 70 and Bombardier CRJ-X 70-seat regional aircraft.
American's complex agreement contrasts with the new contract signed by Delta Air Lines' pilots, which leaves Delta Connection commuter carriers free to operate any number of regional jets with up to 70 seats, and includes an exemption enabling Atlantic South East to operate up to 20 leased 88-seat British Aerospace 146-200s.
Continental Express, meanwhile, has placed firm orders for 25 EMB-145s, and options for 175 more. The carrier, like AMR Eagle, is wholly owned by the parent airline, while Delta has only minority stakes in its regional partners. United Airlines has only codeshare agreements with its United Express regional affiliates, and its pilots are watching closely the negotiations at American.
United has yet to decide on regional jets, although Mesa Air Group, a United Express carrier, has ordered Canadair Regional Jets for its American West Express operation. United Express carrier Atlantic Coast Airlines is a likely EMB-145 customer.
Source: Flight International
