Newark Airport Slots At Issue

JetAmerica has announced aself-imposed a 31-day delay of the launch of its first flights, which were originally scheduled for July 13, but are now slated to take-off on August 14. The airline says the primary reason for the delay is unforeseen complications with landing and take-off time slots at Newark Liberty International Airport, New Jersey.

"The delay is not as unusual as it sounds," according to JetAmerica's Vice President of Operations Brian Burling. "Historically many of the world's most successful airlines and charter services have had to delay their launches."

"In February, the Federal Aviation Administration advised us through an intermediary that our operations at Newark could be accommodated," he said. "However, at about the same time JetAmerica started making national news. When JetAmerica announced 60,000 website visitors. and sales in excess of 20,000 the FAA re-clarified its policy telling JetAmerica we would need to obtain slots."

The airline has sent out a blast e-mail advising 6,486 passengers that booked flights from July 13 through August 13, 2009 that their credit card accounts will be fully refunded for all charges. The credits should appear on e-statements within seven to 14 days. The refunds total around a half million dollars.

"Recognizing that this delay is an inconvenience. As a courtesy aimed at preventing erosion of consumer confidence, JetAmerica will offer passengers who were originally booked on flights from July 13 through August 13 special incentives to rebook on future flights when they call our reservations center," says JetAmerica spokesperson Bryan Glazer.

"Initially, JetAmerica planned to fly 34 weekly flight segments starting on July 13, 2009. On August 14, 2009 the number of flights is still slated to expand to 40 per week. There are no immediate plans to change our flight schedules," according to Burling.

JetAmerica Chief Executive Officer John Weikle says, "We feel terrible for the folks who booked with us for travel during the July 13 - August 13 timeframe, but the FAA's change in the slot policy for indirect air carriers is beyond our control. We are working hard to obtain all the slots we need as soon as possible."

That FAA policy change was not brought to the carrier's attention until after it had already made millions of dollars in sales.

FMI: www.jetamerica.com