Posted on 12/24/2014 1:54:09 AM PST by WhiskeyX
Nearly 24 years after the original Eastern shut down on Jan. 18, 1991, the new Eastern Air Lines welcomed home its first new aircraft on Dec. 19.
Ex-Kenya Airways Boeing 737-800 “The Spirit of Captain Eddie Rickenbacker,” N276EA, arrived from Shannon, Ireland (SNN), via Portsmouth, New Hampshire (PSN), into the airline’s base at Miami International Airport at 3:13 p.m. local time on Runway 8R to a water-cannon salute.
The fanfare reached far beyond that of a traditional airline launch, particularly in Miami. Miami was the original Eastern’s headquarters, and the carrier was the city’s largest employer from the mid-1970s until its 1991 shutdown. It was evident that the event and ceremony were an emotional, tear-felt occasion for the new team, and especially for the retirees and former employees of the original Eastern. Their turnout was quite moving.
The airline has 10 Boeing 737-800s on order, with purchase rights on 10 737 MAX 8s. Moreover, the company announced in July 2014 that it had placed an order for 20 Mitsubishi MRJ90s, with rights for an additional 20 of the regional jets. Eastern starts flying in March 2015 and will initially operate as a charter carrier, with scheduled operations due to begin in the next 12 to 18 months following FAA certification.
(Excerpt) Read more at businessinsider.com ...
“How ‘bout Ozark and Hughes ?”
Hey, let’s not forget Trans Texas! When I returned from Nam I flew TT from Dallas to Hot Springs, Ar. As I recall, we stopped (I use “stopped” because I felt like I was riding a bus, except a bus would have been faster) in Longview, Texarkana, Hope, finally Hot Springs. It was an old DC-3 and those old radials had oil running like rivers down the wings, blew black exhaust like a crop duster, I doubt we ever got over a few thousand feet altitude the entire way. I was sick dog when I got off that plane let me tell you. Shoulda hitch-hiked :)
I love the old goonie birds. Great plane. Was jealous of my kid brother who flew in one to chicheniza in Mexico with a youth group. turns out the guy who ran the group was smuggling drugs back from Mexico and was busted years later for running these youth excursions as a cover. This was in the early 70s
Wow. Flew them numerous times, as far back aboard a....gulp..Martin 404.
Know several ex-employees.
Funny, son and I were just e- mailing each other about an air show we attended and an Eastern 727 made a low high speed pass over the field.
What a thrill!!
Is Pan Am next?
The Pan Am name, colors and logo was bought by the Guilford Rail System in MA. I doubt they will start flying planes but you never know.
I hope they revive Braniff, of blessed memory. Thick steaks, French wine and friendly flight attendants, and in coach!
Pics?
I think I know who that was.Merry Christmas!
The Martin 404 was and is a damn fine airplane.I remember them at ATL(old terminal) as a kid and would squint my eyes and pretend they were B-26 Marauders all lined up.Good times.
Don’t you mean Southwest?
I’d love to see National Airlines, with their sun logo, back. I would also love to see Mohawk and Pilgrim back, also. PanAm is back as a railroad.
I saw one along the T&P railway that sits next to US-80 in Arlington.
Piedmont.
Unions are already lining up to kill it again.
...
They did successfully kill previous attempts to revive the airline. They also had Frank Lorenzo banned from the airline industry forever.
Their first plane is an EX-KENYAN Airways jet? I hope they kicked the tires and changed the oil before they flew it!
...
It’s a 737-800, so it’s a modern aircraft.
It was a major airline and had an entire terminal at Logan dedicated to it (Terminal A). During the 1980s, I took the Eastern Boston/NY shuttle a number of times.
I wish them luck on their return but it is a very competitive marketplace out there.
The passengers aren't helping. They scour the Internet for the lowest fares, driving the fares ever downward, forcing airlines to cut costs in order to stay competitive.
To make matters worse, passengers board the airplanes dressed like slobs and they cram luggage into the overheads that would best be stored down below. Then when the plane gets to the gate, everybody stands up all at once, all trying to be the first one to the door, which hasn't even opened yet.
I just sit there reading my Kindle like a civilized person until most people have shoved their way off the plane. Then I get off, go to the bar for a quick pint of ale, then pick up my luggage at the carousel and either climb into my rental car or take a taxi to get to my final destination.
Oh, for a much simpler time...
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