ATLANTIC COAST Airlines has begun pilot training on its first Bombardier Canadair Regional Jet (CRJ), despite the lack of an agreement enabling it to operate the 50-seat aircraft on its United Express services. United Airlines' pilot contract now bars the carrier's commuter partners from operating regional jets.
The Washington Dulles-based carrier's first two CRJs have been painted in Atlantic Coast livery, rather than United colours, and the airline is proceeding with plans to operate the aircraft on its own routes if an agreement is not reached by the time services begin in September. Atlantic Coast is still hoping for a settlement . United's pilots' union has called for a vote on the issue.
Atlantic Coast has 12 CRJs on firm order (four for delivery in 1997 and eight in 1998), and options on 36. It says that it will not take delivery of eight Jetstream 41s still on order, following British Aerospace's decision to cease production of the turboprop.
Source: Flight International
