US Start-Up Connect Airlines Receives DoT Certification
Connect Airlines announced today that it has been issued its certificate of convenience and necessity by the US Department of Transportation (DOT). The certificate allows Connect to engage in interstate scheduled air transportation once it has completed Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) required proving runs. The proving runs are scheduled to begin July 18, 2022, and last approximately four weeks.
The DOT also tentatively approved Connect’s certificate authorizing foreign scheduled air transportation. The foreign certificate will be formally awarded following a separate review by the White House.
Connect will work closely with the FAA towards successful completion of the certification process, then subsequently apply for Canadian authorizations before beginning scheduled service between Toronto’s Billy Bishop’s (YTZ) convenient downtown airport and Chicago’s O’Hare (ORD) and Philadelphia (PHL) airports.
From launch Connect’s aircraft will generate up to 40% less carbon emissions than the existing US regional jets. The airline will initially operate 76-seat De Havilland Canada Dash 8-400 turboprops, of which it now has twoConnect also plans to be the first zero-emission passenger airline in the US through its recently announced order with Universal Hydrogen for hydrogen-powered aircraft.
