Pinnacle Airlines files for Chapter 11

The latest US air carrier to find itself in Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection is Pinnacle Airlines which says it is re-organising.  Founded as Express Airways in 1985 (and operating as Pinnacle since 2002) the airline is based in Memphis, Tennessee, and has more than 7,500 employees and operates around 1,540 daily flights to 188 cities for United Airlines, Delta Air Lines and US Airways.  Passengers booked on regional services with any of these carriers should check their flights on the airlines’ websites.

About 80% of Pinnacle’s flying is under the Delta Connection brand.  Pinnacle plans to wind down operations for US Airways by June and United by 30 November.  The airline currently flies around 140 of the Bombardier CRJ 200 series 50-seat aircraft and 50 plus of the larger CRJ 900s, two-class and a 76 seater.  In 2007 and 2010 it purchased two rivals, Colgan Air and Mesaba Aviation in an effort of consolidation within the US regional airline industry.  Since 1980 around 50 North American airlines have filed for Chapter 11.  Only a handful still operate today. www.flypinnacle.com

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