Community Air, a California-based start-up operator aiming to become one of the first to take advantage of newly relaxed US regulations on single-engined, instrument flight rules (IFR) passenger operations, plans to begin flying on 1 June with a fleet of Pilatus PC-12s (above).
The carrier intends to connect rural communities in northern California with cities such as Sacramento, Stockton and San Jose, as well as with San Luis Obisbo in the southern half of the West Coast state.
The operation, which will initially involve flying four PC-12s by the middle of next month, will be partially supported by investments from towns like Chico and Ukeia.
"We have received calls from over 100 communities which want our service," says Community Air co-founder John Mayginnes who expects the route network to grow "aggressively" over the next five years.
The first phase of operations will see six cities connected by a total of 38 flights a day.
The airline's plans hinge on the economics of the Swiss-build nine-seat aircraft which has a 50% breakeven load factor.
Community Air plans to add another seven PC-12s between April and June 2000, and the carrier has options for further aircraft over the next three years.
Source: Flight International
