Virgin America to serve Chicago O'hare
California-based airline Virgin America will begin daily nonstop flights from both Los Angeles and San Francisico international airports to Chicago O'Hare International Airport beginning May 25. The airline will occupy gate space at O'Hare's Concourse L.
FAA accepts Southwest transition plan for AirTran
The FAA has accepted Southwest Airlines' transition plan to combine the operations of the Dallas-based airline and Orlando-based AirTran Airways. On September 27, 2010, Southwest announced an agreement to acquire all outstanding shares of common stock of AirTran Holdings, Inc., the parent company of AirTran Airways. The transition plan outlines the methodology, processes, tools, and timing to be employed during the transition period.
Pinnacle, Mesaba, Colgan approve ALPA contract
Pinnacle Airlines pilots have ratified a collective bargaining agreement with the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA). The contract covers pilots at Pinnacle's operating subsidiaries—Pinnacle Airlines and its 1,305 pilots; Mesaba Aviation and its 1,080 pilots; and Colgan Air's 541 pilots. "The new contract provides for competitive compensation for our pilots and will help ensure that we maintain our place as a leader within the regional industry," said Phillip H. Trenary, president and CEO of Pinnacle Airlines Corp. The five-year agreement provides improved salary and benefits, which will result in a substantial increase in compensation for the majority of the pilots, the company said.
