VALUJET AIRLINES is poised to resume flight operations the week of 16 September, initially operating seven aircraft between Atlanta and four as-yet-unnamed US cities. The airline will be able to build its fleet to 15 aircraft and extend services to 17 destinations within 45 days.
The Atlanta-based airline is awaiting final US Department of Transportation (DoT) approval. It won a tentative endorsement on 29 August, but the DoT gave interested third parties until 5 September to challenge the decision.
ValuJet had four days to respond, and no extension was granted by the DoT for further debate. A final decision is pending.
ValuJet's attempt to resume services was opposed by at least 16 groups and individuals, including the Association of Flight Attendants, which has also called for a review of the recertification process by the DoT.
The low-fare US carrier, still faces a criminal investigation into the 11 May crash of its McDonnell Douglas DC-9-30 into the Florida Everglades. The US Securities and Exchange Commission may also be probing possible federal-securities violations.
Source: Flight International
