Ramon Lopez/WASHINGTON DC
VALUJET AIRLINES has failed to resume flights by the 23 August start-up target, which it had set earlier in the month.
The carrier says that "proving runs" were to take place on 20-21 August for the benefit of US Federal Aviation Administration inspectors. During those flights, ValuJet personnel were to be evaluated for proficiency in performing their various jobs.
Resuming revenue flights by 23 August "-will clearly not happen", says the airline, because the FAA has yet to indicate when it will restore ValuJet's operating certificate. Although flights could resume "fairly quickly", the carrier says that the target date is not now achievable, and a new start-up date has not been set.
ValuJet - grounded since mid-June because of safety concerns following a series of incidents which culminated in the fatal crash of a McDonnell Douglas DC-9-30 in May - plans to restart operations with seven of its aircraft between Atlanta, Georgia, and five other US cities.
The fleet will be built up 15 aircraft, which will be used on services to 17 destinations. The remainder of the fleet is being sold or leased to other airlines.
Source: Flight International
