CommuteAir Receives FAA Approval to Operate E170 for Charter Flights

CommuteAir, based in Cleveland Hopkins, has been granted certification by the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to operate its sole E170 aircraft for domestic charter flights. This approval, which amended the airline’s Operations Specifications, was issued on August 7, marking a new venture for CommuteAir into the charter flight sector.

David Fitzgerald, Senior Vice President of Flight Operations at CommuteAir, highlighted the strategic move, noting, “We recognized a significant opportunity in the market for charter aircraft that bridge the gap between small regional jets and larger narrowbody aircraft. The E170, with its 76-seat capacity, offers a cost-effective and appropriately sized solution for various client needs.”

The designated aircraft is stationed at Houston Intercontinental, where it completed its certification flights. Despite receiving its operational credentials, the aircraft has not yet conducted its inaugural revenue-generating charter flight. CommuteAir has a deadline until September 23 to initiate E170 operations under its recently extended passenger authority. This aircraft is leased from Nordic Aviation Capital.

While CommuteAir is venturing into charter services, its primary business remains in regional capacity provision. The airline currently operates a fleet of seventy-four E145s exclusively for United Airlines. However, this partnership is set to evolve as United Airlines has announced plans to phase out its E145 operations by 2026, which could reshape CommuteAir’s operational focus and fleet composition in the coming years.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com