Embattled Legend Airlines plans to initiate services from Dallas Love Field, Texas, late this month if it overcomes legal challenges from American Airlines, the city of Fort Worth and Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.
Legend, which planned to begin interstate business-class operations last September, using six 56-seat McDonnell Douglas DC-9-30s, was given a major boost in late January when it received permission from the US Department of Transportation (DoT) to begin selling tickets. The carrier, which is close to receiving its Part 121 operating certificate from the US Federal Aviation Administration, will initially offer a non-stop service from Dallas Love Field to Los Angeles, Washington Dulles and Las Vegas. Inaugural flights to Los Angeles and Dulles are scheduled for 29 February, with Las Vegas services slated to begin on 9 March.
Legend's opponents are using law suits to try to block the new entrant. Interstate services from Love Field involving aircraft with more than 56 seats are banned to all but seven states under federal law. But opponents claim that any such service from Love Field violates a deal between the city of Dallas and Fort Worth. Legend claims federal law takes precedence over local covenant. It proposes to get round the restriction by only operating aircraft with 56 passenger seats.
It has asked for a halt to state court actions until a federal court rules on an American/Fort Worth appeal on a DoT ruling allowing it to operate from Love Field.
Source: Flight International
