Hopes To Resume Full Service September 25

Alaska Airlines subsidiary Horizon Air -- brought to its knees last week after Transport Canada mandated checks of Bombardier Q400 main landing gear assemblies, following two right maingear failures in three days on Scandinavian Airlines planes -- has amended its flight schedule through September 24 to, hopefully, ease the sting on travelers.

The airline tells ANN the modified schedule, which reportedly brings Horizon’s number of flights back up to 90 percent of normal, will allow the airline to complete the inspections of the Bombardier Aerospace Q400 turboprops in its fleet, as per Transport Canada and Bombardier specifications.

Horizon, which has operated the Canadian-manufactured Q400 since 2001, has never experienced any issues like those SAS recently encountered. Beginning September 25, Horizon hopes to resume its regular schedule.

"With safety as our foremost consideration, we're working diligently to respond to directives from the manufacturers and regulatory authorities as we receive them," said Jeff Pinneo, president and CEO. "We remain focused on minimizing any inconvenience to our customers as we progress toward the restoration of our full flight schedule."

Horizon notes the airline will comply with any additional guidance from the manufacturer and regulatory authorities... adding such requirements might result in additional schedule "adjustments."

Customers are asked to check the Horizon Air website for flight cancellation information.

FMI: www.horizonair.com