Accused Of Defaulting On Loans

As Hooters Air flew its last commercial flights as a regularly scheduled airline on Monday, Hooters of America chairman Robert Brooks received papers for a $4.5 million lawsuit filed against him by CIT Leasing, the company that owned two of the bright orange and white 737s that, until recently, flew in Hooters Air livery.

The New York-based aircraft leasing company accused Brooks' Pace Airlines of defaulting on lease payments on the jets -- payments the company says Brooks privately guaranteed.

The Associated Press also reports the lawsuit claims the jets weren't returned in the condition required in the leasing agreement.

The lawsuit brings an ignoble twist to the end of the three-year-old airline, which announced last month it was ceasing its commercial operations due to increased competition and high fuel prices.

In addition to offering reasonably low fares to an eclectic mix of markets -- like Gary, IN -- as well as flying jets that featured all-leather seating with extra legroom in all rows, each Hooters Air flight lived up to its name by featuring two "Hooters Girls" onboard -- dressed in skimpy orange skirts and tight T-shirts -- who engaged customers in a variety of trivia games. (We wouldn't be surprised if some of the male clientele never noticed the leather seats -- Ed.)

While its true the airline has flown its last scheduled commercial flight, Hooters Air said last month the spirit of the Winston-Salem, NC-based airline will live on, through private charter flights.

FMI: www.hootersair.com