Eastern comeback

One of the great names of 20th century aviation is about to make a comeback, Eastern Air Lines. 

Once again based in Miami the new air carrier, while not affiliated with the original Eastern, has acquired its intellectual property, including the name, branding and old slogans such as “Number One to the Sun” and “Wings of Man.”

“There’s an affection for it, I guess there’s a nostalgia that goes back to the days before you had to pay for bags and you got a meal,” said Edward Wegel, an airline industry veteran who serves as the new company’s President and CEO. “It’s sort of what Eastern was versus what you have today.”

The old Eastern, once Miami-Dade’s largest private employer, filed for bankruptcy protection in 1989 after being weakened by deregulation, years of strife between management and employees and cash flow problems.  Its last flight was in January 1991, almost exactly 24 years ago.

The new Eastern’s first aircraft, a Boeing 737-800, ex-Kenya Airways, arrived in December, and if all goes well regarding the AOC, should go into charter service in March.  Ten Boeing 737 NGs are on order.  Finance comes from Vincent Viola, Chairman of Virtu Financial and the owner of the Florida Panthers.  www.easternairlines.aero

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