US’s AirBahn defers launch due to COVID-19

AirBahn (ARB, Ontario) has petitioned the US Department of Transportation to extend the validity of its certificate of public convenience and necessity through June 30, 2022, to allow it to complete its certification amidst COVID-caused delays.

The Californian start-up backed by the owners of Pakistan’s AirBlue (PA, Karachi Int’l) said it requires more time to “work through the remaining Phases of FAA Certification”. AirBahn took delivery of its first A320-200, N786PB (msn 3974), on November 21. The aircraft remains parked at Ontario awaiting conformity inspections, which are expected by the end of January 2022. The airline has also been struggling to secure simulator training time for its pilots. It also highlighted market unpredictability brought on by the latest waves of the COVID-19 pandemic.

AirBahn said it hoped to complete certification and training by the end of April 2022, but “conservative planning estimates indicate an extension through June 30, 2022” would be preferable.