Connect Airlines Appeals DOT Decision to Revoke Certification

Connect Airlines, operated by Waltzing Matilda Aviation, LLC (WMA), is appealing the decision by the US Department of Transportation (DOT) to revoke its scheduled passenger operator certification. In a letter to the DOT dated November 29, 2023, WMA argued that the department made several errors in its decision and unnecessarily created obstacles for startup airlines.

WMA, a Part 135 certified private jet operator, aims to launch scheduled flights under the Connect Airlines brand connecting Toronto Billy Bishop City Centre with regional airports south of the US-Canada border. The DOT had granted the required fit and proper entity certification in July 2022 with the condition that services commence within 12 months. However, WMA failed to meet this condition, leading to the revocation of the certification by the DOT earlier this month.

Apart from the time-sensitive commencement requirement, WMA also needed the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to transfer its Part 135 certification to a Part 121 certificate. The DOT cited the FAA’s September 2023 termination of certification procedures as a contributing factor in canceling WMA’s certification.

WMA’s letter challenges the DOT’s characterization of the FAA’s termination, stating that the Part 121 certificate should have been issued in March 2023 according to the FAA’s own actions. The letter argues that WMA is being penalized for the FAA’s failure to follow its regulations and procedures.

WMA is seeking a reconsideration of the revocation and requests a dormancy waiver through March 31, 2024, citing its commitment to becoming the first emission-free airline in North America.

The DOT has not yet responded to the appeal.