Is it looking like the 10 options will be exercised or is that still up in the air?

Checko

 

Lynx has been shot down several times by the FAA as far as getting their certificate, I believe they just announced they do not have an estimated time of when they will begin service with the Q400s, Republic and Horizon will now begin flying under the name Lynx name until they can get things sorted out.

 

Has anyone gone through training?

 

What?

RW and QX will fly previously announced Lynx routes under their current Frontier Jet Express moniker...

 

Initial Company Timelines Pushed Back While Lynx Continues to Move Forward with Certification Process

DENVER, Sept. 4 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Frontier Airlines Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: FRNT) subsidiary, Lynx Aviation, today reported a delay in its initially forecasted timeline for completion of certification. The Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) requires a new airline to achieve certification before it can begin flying commercially. Lynx initially expected certification prior to its published launch date of October 1, 2007.
"While we are certainly frustrated with the lack of timeliness in the certification process, we are very pleased with the progress we have made building this company and preparing for the future," said Tom Nunn, President of Lynx Aviation. "The employees of Lynx have worked tirelessly to ensure the success of this airline and we will continue to do all we can to meet and exceed the FAA's milestones and requirements so that we can begin flying as soon as possible."
While Lynx did establish that its Q400 aircraft will not be able to service Frontier's scheduled flights for Wichita, Rapid City, Sioux City, Albuquerque and Billings, Frontier customers will not be disrupted during this delay. Frontier will service those routes via existing E170 and CRJ-700 aircraft from its partners Republic Airways and Horizon Air, as well as with supplemental mainline Airbus service as needed.
Frontier estimates that its total Lynx pre-operating expenses in the December quarter will be approximately $8 million.

 

Looks like its time to do some more 'factual' P.R. again... Here is the latest from the inside:

Lynx is in phase 2 of 3 in the certification process. Manual review takes the longest to go through. The Lynx team has met all deadlines and we are currently awaiting the FAA's response and comments before we are able to move on to the next step. There is no "shooting" down concept! The final phase is proving runs which typically takes 2 weeks or so.

There have been delays along the way- Bombardier's late deliveries & FAA timeline for processing are the major ones. To start up a new airline from scratch takes a little time. There is a new standard the FAA uses to certify new airlines and it is my observation that it seems both sides of the table are learning these new ropes. (check out how long Virgin took!)

As a backup plan, Frontier Jet Express (Republic or Horizon) will fill in for Lynx just incase the certification process extends the October 1st planned launch date.

The pilot classes have been full and the 8th class just arrived in Toronto to begin systems/sim training. Right at 60 pilots thus far have been hired with a goal of 100 by the end of the year. The annoucement of the optional aircraft will be determined in the next week or so. We have two new Q400s at Jeffco Airport (close to the Lynx office... ) and most of the inital cadre pilots have been keeping current in the aircraft.

So to summarize, the company's focus is to obtain the certification and start operations. Pilots and other important crews are training and will be ready when given the final green light. 5 crews/plane is the staffing plan and should the options be taken... that means 100 more pilots!

If you are interested in applying... email your attached coverletter/resume to [email protected]

-M.P.

 

Why is Lynx keeping the planes at Jeffco instead of DEN?

 

Just a guess, money. Most likely is it cheaper.

 

Costs... landing fees... easier access and egress when flying.... closer to Lynx Offices.


-M.P.

 

I have a friend who flies corporate into and out of Jeffco Airport, and the rumor he heard is that Lynx (Frontier) actually wants to build a maintenance base there if the airport lets them, I assume it's a heck of a lot cheaper than DEN.

On another note, the starting wages are too low for this type of aircraft. I would HAVE TO BELIEVE that Lynx is going to raise hourly rates once they are generating revenue, if not, I can guarantee pilots will walk.