American Airlines wasted no time partnering with Envoy Air, Inc. in the wake of Mesa Airlines’ December announcement of their “consensual wind-down” with American Airlines effective April 3rd. This is a seamless transition as Envoy Air Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Airlines Group and operates more than 160 aircraft on 800 daily flights to over 160 destinations. The company’s more than 18,000 employees provide regional flight service to American Airlines under the American Eagle brand as well as ground handling services for many American flights.
Yuma will benefit from this transition as American and Envoy Air have made the decision to test run Envoy’s largest aircraft in the American Eagle Regional Network, the Embraer 170/175 in Yuma beginning February 3rd. The E170/175 aircraft has more first-class premium seating, wider seats and extra legroom for additional comfort as well as powerports to plug in your electronics and onboard Wifi. Another benefit is there is no need to valet large carry-on luggage as it can be taken directly onto the aircraft that also has larger overhead bins for storage.
“Yuma is excited to see the Embraer enter into the American Eagle fleet and this station is better equipped to take on the aircraft. The current route for this aircraft is one flight per day to PHX for the 11am/midday departure. Our hope is that this aircraft will be used more in the future with other flights or create more opportunity to increase flight frequency.” Yuma International Airport Director, Gladys Brown shared.
“The Yuma County Airport Authority is excited and prepared for this new year alongside this new aircraft in the fleet.” Brown continued, “On top of this great news the airport recently purchased three (3) new passenger boarding ramps to ensure easier and safer loading of passengers onto commercial flights at the Yuma International Airport. The new equipment ensures the operational capability necessary to service any regional jet servicing Yuma to the Airbus 321 and Boeing 737.
The airport also replaced its airfield power sweeper, which is an important part of the airport’s established Foreign Objects Debris (FOD) management program to keep taxiways and aprons clear of FOD and ensure a safe operating environment for all airfield users.
