SkyWest has obtained 29 CRJ-900 airframes from another regional carrier. The deal was announced during the airline’s first-quarter earnings call on Thursday.
A SkyWest CRJ-900 aircraft (Photo: Shutterstock | Robin Guess)
SkyWest has obtained 29 used CRJ-900 airframes from an unnamed regional carrier. The deal was announced during the airline’s first-quarter earnings call on Thursday.
Wade Steele, SkyWest’s chief commercial officer, emphasized the importance of this acquisition as a move to hedge against supply chain woes: “We expect to utilize many of these airframes for parts to mitigate any supply chain challenges we may face over the next few years.”
The airline intends to activate six of these airframes for regular operation, while the remaining units will serve as a reserve for parts. These aircraft were acquired for $28 million, he shared.
As of March 31, Steel said that deals were closed for three of these aircraft. According to Cirium Fleet Analyzer data, these aircraft previously belonged to Mesa Airlines, which moved to an all-Embraer fleet in February.
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.
Alaska's new trading cards (Photo: Alaska Airlines)
Alaska Airlines has unveiled a new commemorative set of trading cards in recognition of World Pilots’ Day, which took place on Saturday. The collection, developed in partnership with the airline’s pilots, features eight cards showcasing Alaska’s most notable modern aircraft liveries.
This release marks the first new trading card set from the Seattle-based carrier in over a decade. The updated cards are enhanced with a holographic film and lenticular coating, providing a multidimensional viewing experience compared to previous editions, which were printed on traditional cardstock, the airline shared.
Initially introduced in the 1990s as a means to inspire future aviators, Alaska’s trading cards have grown into sought-after collectibles among aviation enthusiasts and young travelers. Their resurgence in popularity has been largely driven by pilots advocating for their return, including Scott Day, former system chief pilot for Alaska and current system chief pilot for Hawaiian Airlines.
Alaska trading cards (Photo: Alaska Airlines | Joe Nicholson)
“These cards are not just keepsakes but also educational tools, with each one featuring details about the aircraft and its unique story,” said Day. He emphasized that early interactions between flight crews and young passengers often serve as formative experiences that influence future career choices in aviation.
Distribution of the cards will occur on board select flights and at special events.
Alaska is not the only U.S. airline rolling out trading cards. Last month, Delta unveiled a new batch.
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.
Pilot prepares aircraft for departure (Photo: Shutterstock | Demkat)
Carry-on bags are an essential component of every flight crew member’s gear. Therefore, we have compiled a list of brand-name carry-on bags designed to withstand the demands of frequent air travel while offering durability, functionality, and style. By selecting one of these high-quality carry-ons specifically chosen for flight crews, you can reduce the risk of damage to your personal and professional belongings while upholding the highest professional standards.
Please note that each airline may have its own specifications regarding airline uniform standards. You should always check with your base administrative offices for approval before purchasing uniform items, including crew baggage.
Aurora New Generation 22-Inch Expandable Suiter Rolling Bag
Best for: Popularity
TheAurora New Generation 22-Inch Expandable Suiter Rolling Bag by Luggageworks ranks among the most popular luggage options for flight crews. Designed with durability in mind, this bag meets the needs of frequent travelers. While its high-quality rubber wheels and telescopic handle ensure easy mobility, the newly redesigned interior helps flight crewsstay organized during layovers.
Aurora New Generation Suiter Rolling Bag [Courtesy: Luggageworks]Key Features and Specifications
Additional features: 2-inch expandable suiter compartment; high-quality rubber wheels; telescopic handle; metal J-Hook buckle; all-metal zipper pulls; reinforced carry handles; new interior organization with detachable panel; phone/wallet/keys easy access pocket; customization available
Warranty: 3-year manufacturing warranty; not covered under this warranty are normal wear and tear
Disadvantages
Users have noted that the bag’s dimensions, including wheels and handles, might slightly exceed standard carry-on size limits for certain airlines.
Price: $199.99 plus $15.99 for custom monogram
Stealth Premier 22-Inch Rolling Bag
Best for: Durability
Known as the pilot’s choice for luggage, theStealth Premier 22-Inch Rolling Bag by Luggageworks is the ultimate carry-on. Its metal frame, durable hardware, and ballistic fabric shell with protective padding guarantee it can endure the demands of frequent travel. Flight crews worldwide trust this luggage brand for their professional needs.
Stealth Premier 22″ Rolling Bag. [Courtesy: Luggageworks]Key Features and Specifications
Size: 14 inches W x 22 inches H x 8 inches D
Weight: 12.25 pounds
Materials: Durable, weather-resistant ballistic outer material; tear-resistant interior with 300D lining; sturdy metal frame
Additional features: Ergonomic grip with aircraft yoke design; metal hardware, including metal top clips, J-Hook, zipper pullers, and snaps; reinforced carry handles; rubber wheels with steel bearings; customization available
Warranty: 3-year manufacturing warranty; not covered under this warranty are normal wear and tear
Disadvantages
Users have commented that the bag is slightly heavier than other carry-on competitors due to its sturdy construction.
The Briggs & Riley Essential 22-Inch Carry-On Expandable Spinner is a high-end carry-on luggage with unmatched quality and a lifetime warranty. Despite its compact size, the carry-on offers a surprisingly large space and organizational capabilities. Additionally, the carry-on suitcase has a classic, understated look with thoughtful and practical features ideal for professionals on the go.
Briggs & Riley Essential 22-Inch Carry-on Expandable Spinner [Courtesy: Briggs & Riley]Key Features and Specifications
Despite its robust design, the TUMI 21.75-Inch Aerotour 4 Wheel Expandable Luggage is designed to be lightweight for convenient travel. Unique to the TUMI brand, this bag comes equipped with a TUMI Tracer, which keeps all belongings safe and recoverable in case the bag is lost. Additionally, its minimalist aesthetic is ideal for flight crews.
TUMI 21.75-Inch Aerotour 4 Wheel Expandable Luggage [Courtesy: TUMI]Key Features and Specifications
Additional features: Expandable packing space; recessed dual spinner wheels; interior includes tie-down straps, zip pockets, and a daisy chain loop system; built-in TSA combination lock and TUMI Tracer
Warranty: 5-year manufacturing warranty; not covered under this warranty is normal wear and tear
Disadvantages
The carry-on bag is on the higher end of the price spectrum.
Price: $595
TravelPro 22-Inch Pilot Expandable Carry-on Rollaboard
Best for: Dependability
The TravelPro 22-Inch Pilot Expandable Carry-On Rollaboard is a dependable carry-on choice for flight crews. It is expandable, organized, and designed for professional use. This luggage includes all the essential features that flight crews need, including front, side, and rear pockets on the interior and exterior, shoe bags, a laundry bag, and more.
TravelPro 22-Inch Pilot Expandable Carry-on Rollaboard [Courtesy: Travelpro]Key Features and Specifications
Additional features: Durable screw construction; ergonomic touch points; sturdy in-line wheels; add-a-bag strap features a technologically advanced, German-engineered, speed-release magnetic connection and metal J-hook; interior and exterior front, side, and rear pockets, shoe bags, and a laundry bag
Warranty: 3-year manufacturing warranty; not covered under this warranty is normal wear and tear
Disadvantages
Users have noted the bag’s dimensions, including wheels and handles, might slightly exceed standard carry-on size limits for certain airlines.
The Travelpro 21-Inch Maxlite 5 Softside Expandable Carry-on is an affordable, ultra-lightweight option offering unmatched simplicity for flight crews. It has sturdy carry handles and smooth wheels, which glide effortlessly through busy airports. Despite its compact size, the luggage provides ample space, enabling flight crews to pack up to four days’ worth of clothing and accessories.
Travelpro 21-Inch Maxlite 5 Softside Expandable Carry-on [Courtesy: Travelpro]Key Features and Specifications
Additional features: 2-position adjustable PowerScope lite handle with patented Contour grip; 360-Degree spinner wheels; 2-inch expandable soft body; two quick-access, exterior front pockets; full-length interior lid pocket; side accessory pocket; adjustable hold-down straps; high-tensile-strength expandable zipper
Warranty: 3-year manufacturing warranty; not covered under this warranty is normal wear and tear
Disadvantages
The internal organization might not be as comprehensive as some users would like, requiring additional packing cubes or organizers.
Price: $169.99
Flight Crew’s Carry-on Bag Considerations
Let’s explore what factors to consider when selecting flight crew carry-on baggage.
Durability and materials
A durable carry-on bag begins with a sturdy frame that provides substantial support and maintains the integrity of the bag’s shape. High-denier nylon or Cordura fabrics are known for their resistance to tears, abrasions, and water, guaranteeing long-lasting performance. Quality hardware and reinforced stress points also enhance the bag’s resilience.
Size and weight
When choosing a carry-on bag, flight crews should ensure the bag’s dimensions are suitable for under-seat and overhead bin storage. Investing in a lightweight carry-on is also essential, ensuring efficiency and convenience during frequent travel.
Organization and compartments
A flight crew’s carry-on bag should have various compartments for uniform items, toiletries, clothes, shoes, and more, which can help organize personal and professional items. A well-organized bag contributes to seamless travel and reflects the professionalism required of flight crewmembers.
Mobility and handling
High-quality wheels and telescoping handles significantly enhance the mobility and handling of carry-on bags, especially for flight crews who frequently navigate crowded airports. These elements improve overall maneuverability and minimize travel strain, enabling flight crews to carry their personal and professional essentials efficiently.
Professional appearance
In the fast-paced aviation environment, where appearances often correlate with professionalism, a flight crew’s carry-on bag should be functional and convey a sleek and professional image. Therefore, choosing a bag with a minimalist aesthetic is ideal as it projects an air of sophistication without overwhelming an airline’s branding.
Choose the Right Carry-on Bag for Your Needs
Choosing the right carry-on bag is essential for flight crews who navigate the complexities of frequent travel andrigorous airline standards. Therefore, investing in a premium carry-on bag tailored to these specific needs can significantly enhance the travel experience, allowing aviation professionals to focus on their primary responsibilities. Let’s add one of these carry-on bags to your virtual cart today!
FAQ
Why do flight crews need different features in a carry-on bag compared to regular travelers?
Unlike regular travelers, flight crews are often subject to frequent flights and long layovers, necessitating luggage that can endure constant use while remaining functional. Therefore, the key to a suitable carry-on for flight crews is finding the balance between durability, functionality, and style, while ensuring compliance with applicable carry-on baggage industry standards.
What makes a carry-on bag suitable for the unique demands of airline work?
The best carry-on luggage for airline crews seamlessly combines durability, functionality, and style, tailored to their specific travel requirements.
Are there specific size or weight restrictions that flight crew carry-ons must adhere to?
Flight crewmembers’ carry-on bags must fit within the standard dimensions of everyday travelers’ carry-on bags and meet the standard weight restrictions, ensuring they can comfortably fit in the overhead bins or under aircraft seats.
Do airlines provide carry-on bags for their crews, or is it usually a personal purchase?
Airlines typically do not supply carry-on bags to their crews, leaving it as a personal purchase. Please note that each airline may have its own specifications regarding airline uniform standards. Therefore, you should always check with your base administrative offices for approval before purchasing uniform items, including crew baggage.
AirlineGeeks may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs.
AirlineGeeks.com was founded in February 2013 as a one-person blog in Washington D.C. Since then, we’ve grown to have 25+ active team members scattered across the globe. We are all here for the same reason: we love deep-diving into the fascinating realm of the airline industry.
An airline spokesperson confirmed on Saturday that Frontier will end all flights to Vail/Eagle County Airport in Colorado. The airline began serving this market in December.
“Based on current consumer demand and broader economic trends affecting the entire airline industry, we have made the difficult decision to end our service from EGE at this time,” the spokesperson said. “We greatly value our partnership with the airport and Eagle-Vail community, and will continue to evaluate the possibility of resuming service in the future.”
The airline connected Vail with Denver, Dallas/Fort Worth, and San Francisco. Flights to San Francisco were slated to end on April 5, while the last Vail-Denver service was on April 17, per Cirium Diio schedule data.
Frontier’s flights between Vail and Dallas/Fort Worth are currently scheduled to end on May 31.
A Frontier Airbus A320neo in Las Vegas. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)
Short-Lived Market
The airline announced plans to serve Vail in October, becoming the airport’s only ultra-low-cost carrier. In a statement, Eagle County’s Director of Aviation, David Reid, said the airport is “disappointed” in Frontier’s decision to leave the market.
“We are certainly disappointed by Frontier’s decision to cease service at EGE,” he said. “They have been a valued partner, and we recognize the importance of their ultra-low-cost options for our community. We remain committed to providing diverse air service for the Eagle County region and will continue to explore opportunities with other airline partners.”
Despite two scheduled flights to Dallas/Fort Worth next month, the airport stated that Frontier’s exit will take effect immediately. “This decision results from Frontier’s ongoing evaluation of route profitability,” the airport added.
Editor’s Note: Data referenced in this article was provided by aviation analytics company Cirium.
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.
Etihad Airways Boeing 787 Dreamliner taking off at Abu Dhabi International Airport (Photo: Etihad)
Etihad Airways is significantly ramping up its presence in Africa, with a major boost to its Nairobi service. Beginning Dec. 15, the airline will double its flights between Abu Dhabi and Kenya’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, increasing from the current once-daily schedule to twice-daily operations.
This development follows the successful relaunch of the route in December 2024, which had been delayed from its originally planned debut in May of that year. The inaugural flight on December 15 was fully booked.
Arik De, Etihad’s chief revenue and commercial officer, commented: “At Etihad, we have long recognised the need to strengthen our presence in Africa. We’re encouraged by the positive early results and are pleased to announce the expansion of our Nairobi service to 14 weekly flights, as well as the increase of our Seychelles service to 6 weekly flights in partnership with Air Seychelles. We’re also introducing daily 787 services to Casablanca and Johannesburg.”
Etihad’s Nairobi service had been suspended since March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the airline had initially planned to resume flights on September 1, the relaunch was postponed several times before finally resuming on December 15, with daily Airbus A320 services offering both Business and Economy cabins.
Beyond Nairobi, Etihad currently operates to four other African destinations: Cairo, Casablanca, Johannesburg, and the Seychelles. However, the Abu Dhabi–Seychelles route will be discontinued on May 22, 2025, as per the airline’s latest schedule update. Air Seychelles will take over the route starting May 23, operating six weekly flights with its Airbus A320neo, excluding Thursdays (from Seychelles) and Fridays (from Abu Dhabi).
Although Etihad will no longer fly directly to the Seychelles, it will maintain a presence via a codeshare agreement with Air Seychelles, announced in December 2024. This arrangement ensures continuity of service and connectivity even after Etihad exits the route.
In addition to expanding service to Nairobi, Etihad is set to launch four new African destinations. Daily flights to Addis Ababa will commence on October 8, 2025, as part of a joint venture with Ethiopian Airlines.
The airline will also begin flying to Algiers on November 7, with four weekly services; to Tunis from November 1, with three weekly flights; and to the Egyptian resort town of Al Alamein with a seasonal service operating twice a week between July 17 and September 14.
Commenting on these developments, Arik De said, “Together with Air Seychelles and our groundbreaking relationship with Ethiopian Airlines, these strategic partnerships form a key foundation as we add four new direct routes to Africa from Abu Dhabi this year, underlining our growing commitment to service the dynamic continent.”
Victor Shalton's love for aviation can be traced to when he was 11-years-old. As a seasoned aviation writer, he takes pride in providing the best aviation coverage around the globe and is passionate about advancing his skills in the aviation space. In addition, he loves travelling, writing, arts and while his speaking engagements have taken him around the world, he is proud to call Nairobi home.
Alaska Airlines unveils the Disney Tiana’s Bayou Adventure livery at Portland International Airport. (Photo: Alaska Airlines | Molly J. Smith)
Editor’s Note: AirlineGeeks is proud to present our ‘Livery of the Week’ series. Every Friday, a team member will share an airline livery, which can be from the past, present, or even a special scheme. Some airline liveries are works of art. The complexity associated with painting around critical flight components and the added weight requires outside-the-box thinking from designers. The average airliner can cost upwards of $200,000 to repaint, creating a separate aircraft repainting industry as a result.
Have an idea for a livery that we should highlight? Drop us a line.
In the latest mash-up between commercial aviation and the magical world of Disney, on Friday, Alaska presented the latest special livery to be introduced into its fleet. A Boeing 737-800 aircraft, registration N596AS, was unveiled at Portland International Airport before its flight to Santa Ana, California showcasing a brand-new theme inspired by Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, the water-based attraction located at Disneyland Park in Anaheim and dedicated to the character from Walt Disney Animation Studios 2009 animated film “The Princess and the Frog.”
“Every journey should be as magical as the destination, and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Flyer brings that wonder to the skies in a way that perfectly complements our commitment to creating remarkable journeys,” said Eric Edge, vice president of brand and marketing at Alaska Airlines. “This aircraft captures Princess Tiana’s love for exploration and adventure, inspiring our guests to embrace new possibilities and create memories along the way.”
Alaska Airlines Boeing 737-890 Tiana’s Bayou Adventure-Disneyland special livery (Photo: Alaska Airlines | Joe Nicholson)
Alaska Airlines’ Ninth Disney-inspired Livery
The new paint job required more than 2,000 hours to be completed, and it is the ninth Disney Resort-themed aircraft entering Alaska’s fleet, cementing the partnership between the Florida-based entertainment giant and the carrier, spanning now over a quarter of a century.
“For more than 25 years, Alaska Airlines and Disneyland Resort have collaborated to bring magic and happiness to the skies,” said Sybil Crum, vice president of marketing and commercial strategy at Disneyland Resort. “As Disneyland Resort prepares to celebrate its 70th anniversary, this latest addition honors our legacy and looks ahead to a bright future with Princess Tiana leading the way.”
The unveiling of this special livery starts the celebrations for the 70th anniversary of Disneyland Resort, which are due to start on May 16, 2025.
The Boeing 737 (N596AS) is a 17-year-old aircraft that was originally delivered in 2008 and has always been part of the Alaska Airlines fleet since the beginning of its commercial life. It is configured in a 159-seat configuration with 12 First Class seats, 30 Premium Class seats, and 117 Economy Class seats.
Looking for a new airplane model? Head over to our friends at the Midwest Model Store for a wide selection of airlines and liveries.
Vanni fell in love with commercial aviation during his undergraduate studies in Statistics at the University of Bologna, when he prepared his thesis on the effects of deregulation on the U.S. and European aviation markets. Then he pursued his passion further by obtaining a Master’s Degree in Air Transport Management at Cranfield University in the U.K. followed by holding several management positions at various start-up carriers in Europe (Jet2, SkyEurope, Silverjet). After moving to Canada, he was Business Development Manager for IATA for nine years before turning to his other passion: sports writing.
American Sued for Wrongful Death
The family of John William Cannon has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against American Airlines and its subsidiary Envoy Air.
An American Eagle Embraer jet (Photo: Shutterstock | LJ Jones)
The family of John William Cannon has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against American Airlines and its subsidiary, Envoy Air, in the District Court of Denver County, Colorado.
The lawsuit, filed by Cannon’s son on Tuesday, alleges that the airlines were negligent during a medical emergency Cannon suffered that led to his death on April 29, 2023. Cannon was 62 years old.
According to the complaint, the incident began on April 28, 2023, when Cannon boarded American Airlines flight 1444 from Louisville, Kentucky, to Dallas/Fort Worth.
During the flight and at the time of deboarding, he reportedly lost consciousness. The complaint stated that despite exhibiting signs of medical distress, Cannon was assisted only temporarily and was allowed to make his connecting flight, operated by Envoy Air, from Dallas/Fort Worth to Durango, Colorado.
During that second flight, Cannon’s condition worsened and became a medical crisis. The lawsuit claims that the crew delayed seeking medical assistance until after landing, further contributing to his deteriorating condition. Emergency services were called only after the flight landed and all passengers deplaned.
Despite emergency efforts during transport to the hospital, including CPR and defibrillator shocks, Cannon was pronounced dead the following morning.
Breach of Duty
The complaint accuses American Airlines and Envoy Air of multiple breaches of their duty of care, including failure to give adequate first aid, delaying medical intervention, and negligence in handling a passenger in a medical crisis.
Additionally, the lawsuit argues that the airlines failed in training their staff to handle such situations, citing violations of federal regulations that require training for in-flight medical emergencies.
Cannon’s family is seeking over $75,000 in damages. American told Fox News in a Friday report it was “reviewing the complaint.”
AirlineGeeks.com was founded in February 2013 as a one-person blog in Washington D.C. Since then, we’ve grown to have 25+ active team members scattered across the globe. We are all here for the same reason: we love deep-diving into the fascinating realm of the airline industry.
A United 737 MAX 8 (Photo: Shutterstock | Robin Guess)
United is planning more international service from its Denver hub. The airline will add one new route and resume another.
Starting on Oct. 26, the airline will begin flights from Denver to Mexico City and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
An airline spokesperson said Mexico City flights will operate daily as winter seasonal service through March, while service to Punta Cana will operate daily nearly year-round. Both routes will be operated by a Boeing 737 MAX 8.
United last linked Denver and Mexico City in 2018, per Cirium Diio schedule data. Service to Punta Cana is new to the airline’s network.
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.
SkyWest’s chief commercial officer, Wade Steel, said United exercised an option this month to add 10 more CRJ-550s, for a total of 50.
“We continue to see strong demand for our dual-class flying and look forward to continuing to deploy additional CRJ550s for our partners,” SkyWest CEO Chip Childs added on the call.
A Dozen in Service
Steel said the regional airline has 12 CRJ-550s in service for United. The carrier operates the 50-seat jet under the Delta Connection and United Express brands.
The airline expects to fly 30 CRJ-550s by the end of 2025, and 20 more will enter service in 2026.
First class on United’s CRJ-550 (Photo: Dylan Oakes)
“We are excited about our continued strong partnership with United,” Steel continued. 39 of the 50 CRJ-550s planned for United will be modified from existing CRJ-700s.
The CRJ-550 is a modified CRJ-700 with only 50 seats, including 10 in first class and 40 in economy. GoJet debuted the CRJ-550 for United in 2019, with around 45 now in active service.
In addition to more first-class seats, the jets feature other premium features, including a snack bar and luggage storage closets.
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.
A Breeze Airbus A220 in Ogdensburg (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Joey Gerardi)
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, more unique Essential Air Service proposals have been submitted by a wider variety of airlines. Unlike in the past, these communities have been seeing a lot more air service on quite large mainline-sized aircraft. And not only are the aircraft getting more unique serving these communities, but they are also seeing more airlines that have never held EAS contracts before now winning them for the first time.
Unique Service Options
The first unique and new airline to win an EAS proposal was Sun Country, which held the contract in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, and flew a Boeing 737-800, but now no longer does this, as SkyWest won the contract back in 2024.
Sun Country 737-800 in the EAS community of Eau Claire (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Joey Gerardi)
The second is JetBlue, which won the contract for Presque Isle, Maine, and began flights there in early September 2024 with daily service to its hub in Boston and currently flies there using the Embraer E190. The carrier will switch to its larger Airbus A220 once the E190 gets retired from the airline’s fleet.
The third is Breeze, whose proposal awarding date and start date were only 10 days apart from each other, which is really short even by EAS standards. Breeze started flying to Ogdensburg, New York, on September 27, 2024, from Washington Dulles with daily flights on its Airbus A220s. The airline also started additional flights a couple of times per week from Orlando in March of 2025, although these flights are not part of the EAS contract and are unsubsidized.
More Interesting Proposals
Recently, some more interesting EAS proposals have come up in the past week, as there are a handful of cities in Virginia and West Virginia that are in the time period where they need to re-select the current airline or select a new one that will provide service for their respective communities.
With Air Wisconsin losing its contract to fly American flights, it still needs to operate scheduled flights in order to keep its Part 121 certificate, and recently, the carrier has even started “scheduled flights” between Appleton and Milwaukee, both of which are in Wisconsin, with Saturday-only service.
However, it is unclear whether or not these flights have actually operated as they were supposed to start a couple of weeks ago.
Air Wisconsin has submitted a handful of proposals for EAS communities in the past, but it has not yet won any and is giving it another shot. Most recently, they have submitted proposals for four communities: Shenandoah in Virginia, along with Beckley, Parkersburg, and Lewisburg, all of which are in West Virginia.
The proposals are all pretty standard, and each community would see 12 departures a week on board the now Air Wisconsin-branded CRJ-200, which seats 50 passengers. Parkersburg and Beckley would see service to Charlotte, Lewisburg would see service to Chicago O’Hare as well as Charlotte, and Shenandoah would see service to Chicago O’Hare, along with flights to either Philadelphia or Charlotte, which would be decided by the community if selected.
Although the regional airline has ended the agreement where they will operate flights on behalf of American, if selected for EAS in any of these communities, it would be codesharing with American and could transfer bags directly to the larger American network.
An Air Wisconsin CRJ-200 aircraft (Photo: Air Wisconsin)
Breeze Looks to More EAS Markets
Breeze has also continued to submit EAS proposals, with the airline having submitted one for three of the four same communities that Air Wisconsin did: Shenandoah, as well as Parkersburg and Lewisburg.
But, unlike Air Wisconsin, Breeze has already won a contract in the past. With these three more recent proposals, the airline is proposing similar service to its other EAS route, with a daily flight from each community to Raleigh, North Carolina.
The airline mentioned nothing of possible interline partnerships in its three proposals for the communities in West Virginia and Virginia.
In addition, these aren’t the first proposals that Breeze has submitted since Ogdensburg, and it did put in a request to serve Pueblo in Colorado, but did not win that contract, most likely due to their inability to connect to other airlines from Denver, which serves as a hub for United.
Other airlines have submitted proposals for all four of these communities, including SkyWest and the current operator at all four airports: Contour.
Joey has always been interested in planes for as long as he can remember. He grew up in Central New York during the early 2000s when US Airways Express turboprops ruled the skies. Being from a non-aviation family made it harder for him to be around planes and would only spend about three hours a month at the airport. He was so excited when he could drive by himself, the first thing he did with his driver's license was get ice cream and go plane spotting for the entire day. He graduated from Western Michigan University in 2022 with a B.S. in Aviation Management & Operations and a Minor in Business, and currently works for a major airline in his hometown.
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