CommuteAir Expands Charter Services With New E170 Aircraft

The regional carrier is venturing into the charter market with a new 76-seat jet.

CommuteAir’s Embraer E170 aircraft (Photo: CommuteAir)

[ Planes ]August 7, 2024 5:14 pm ET

By Ryan Ewing

CommuteAir, celebrating its 35th anniversary, announced on Wednesday the launch of its charter service utilizing a newly certified Embraer E170 aircraft. The 76-seat jet has received FAA approval and is now available for booking, the company shared.

The regional airline typically operates 80 Embraer E145 aircraft on behalf of United Express. It has bases in Washington, D.C. and Houston.

“CommuteAir recognized a significant opportunity in the market for charter aircraft that bridge the gap between small regional jets and larger narrowbody aircraft,” said Captain David Fitzgerald, the carrier’s Senior Vice President of Flight Operations, in a news release. “With its 76-seat capacity, the E170 offers a cost-effective and appropriately sized solution for various client needs.”

CommuteAir’s first E170 receives a water canon salute at the carrier’s Houston hangar (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Ryan Ewing)

The aircraft features a 2×2 seating configuration, two flight attendants, and dual lavatories. CommuteAir anticipates demand from sports teams, VIP travelers, entertainment groups, and corporate clients.

Registered as N780NC, the carrier’s first and, so far, only E170 was purchased in June 2023 and is just over 15 years old. Over the last 10 months, CommuteAir says it has been working with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to certify the new jet as part of its fleet.

“So this aircraft allows us to move from a small commuter certificate to a much larger public convenience and accessibility certificate. And that paves the way for future opportunities for CommuteAir, operating much larger gauge aircraft,” the airline’s CEO Rick Hoefling told AirlineGeeks during a September 2023 interview. “The Embraer 170 and 175 fleet, the 76-seat market in the United States, is underserved from a charter perspective.”

Author
Recent Posts

Follow Ryan

Ryan Ewing

Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.

Follow Ryan

Author

Ryan Ewing

Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.
View all posts