Jet Edge Surrenders Interstate Charter Certificate
The United States Department of Transportation (DOT) has officially revoked the certificate of public convenience that allowed Western Air Charter, Inc., operating under the Jet Edge brand, to engage in interstate charter operations using large aircraft. This move follows the carrier’s request to voluntarily relinquish its interstate charter authority.
According to the DOT order, Jet Edge made the decision to surrender its interstate charter certificate on July 31, 2024. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) later confirmed that the carrier ceased operating large aircraft on August 14, 2024. Large aircraft, as defined by the FAA, are those initially designed to carry more than 60 passengers or have a payload exceeding 18,000 pounds (8,165 kilograms).
Jet Edge had obtained both interstate and foreign charter services certificates in 2020 with plans to operate two Boeing 737-700BBJ aircraft. These aircraft remained in service until 2023, with the last one active under the ‘EDG’ code until August 16, 2024. Despite the revocation of its interstate certificate, Jet Edge has the option to reapply for it in the future.
The carrier’s move to relinquish its interstate charter certificate is part of an ongoing restructuring. Although the revocation of the interstate certificate is final, the revocation of its foreign charter certificate remains pending and will be addressed separately by the DOT.
Jet Edge’s Part 135 certificate remains intact, which covers a fleet of 13 aircraft. The fleet includes a variety of business jets, such as six Gulfstream G280s, a Gulfstream G400, a G550, a GIV-SP, a GV, a G650ER, a Global 7500, and a Legacy 650. Recently, Jet Edge retired its last two G300s and the final unit of its sixteen G450 aircraft. These jets were subsequently transferred to the Part 135 fleet of JetSelect Aviation, another member of the Vista America group.
Jet Edge’s withdrawal from operating large aircraft on interstate routes marks a shift in its operations but does not affect its ongoing services in other areas. As part of the Vista America group, Jet Edge joins other operators like JetSelect Aviation, Red Wing Aviation, and XOJET Aviation, all of which do not operate large aircraft as defined by the FAA.
The DOT’s revocation of Jet Edge’s certificate represents a significant change for the carrier, but it leaves room for future business growth and potential reapplication for the certificate in the years to come. While the operator did not respond to a request for comment, the aviation community will be closely monitoring the future developments regarding Jet Edge’s operations and its status within the Vista America group.
This move follows broader trends within the private aviation industry as operators adjust their fleets and services to meet changing market demands.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com