Business sector specialist Legend Airlines and low-fare AccessAir have ceased flying after struggling to resume scheduled service in the face of tough competition and high fuel costs.
The US Department of Transportation has withdrawn Legend's economic fitness certificate, while its remaining McDonnell Douglas DC-9s were repossessed by lessors after a $20 million cash injection from an investor group failed to materialise. The Dallas Love Field-based carrier is at odds with the US Federal Aviation Administration over whether it can sell its operating certificate when it liquidates its assets. Legend ceased flying in December, having once operated seven 56-seat DC-9-30s.
Des Moines, Iowa-based AccessAir, which resumed flying last November after a bankruptcy filing, has halted service after failing to win significant market share on its route to Chicago Midway in competition with United Airlines. The carrier had accused its rivals of predatory behaviour.
Source: Flight International
