ExpressJet Will Pick Up Slack As E190s Get Fixed In Nashville

One imagines that if given the option, low-cost carrier JetBlue would probably like to reboot this year and start over. They'll have to settle for rebooting the software in some of their planes instead.

According to Newsday, JetBlue will soon begin grounding its new Embraer 190 regional jets, to fix what it calls a recurring software glitch. The problems will be fixed through April, two aircraft at a time, at the carrier's maintenance facility in Nashville, TN.

"We have seen a pattern of software issues with the plane, and we're taking proactive steps" to deal with the matter, said JetBlue spokesman Todd Burke. "We're trying to get ahead of this."

Burke added the glitch does not affect operational safety of the planes. Repairs will take approximately 1-2 days per-plane.

While the affected E-190s are repaired, JetBlue will contract with ExpressJet for four 50-seat Embraers, to offset the capacity loss of the 100-seat planes.

As Aero-News reported, JetBlue ordered 100 Embraer 190 aircraft in 2003, becoming the launch customer for the aircraft.

FMI: www.jetblue.com