California Pacific Airlines has temporarily suspended its flight operations due to a pilot shortage, the airline announced last week. The American regional carrier commenced operations in November 2018 and offers flights out of Carlsbad’s McClelland Palomar Airport to destinations including San Jose, Las Vegas or Phoenix.
CPA has temporarily suspended Carlsbad flights and ticket sales due to being impacted by the nationwide pilot shortage. We are in the process of training new qualified pilots who will allow us to relaunch services soon. January flights will be refunded automatically.
— California Pacific Airlines (@calpacificair) December 28, 2018
California Pacific Airlines was founded in 2009 by Ted Vallas, who serves as the airline’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. The new carrier is mainly focused on business travellers who commute weekly for their work.
From 2009 to 2017, the company struggled to achieve certification from the FAA as well as attempts to secure a fleet and routes. Therefore, California Pacific Airlines had to delay its launch multiple times.
The airline’s current fleet of Embraer ERJ-145s, as well as its operating certificate, were acquired when California Pacific Airlines purchased the Georgia-based Aerodynamics Inc, which operates a subsidized ‘Essential Air Service’ (EAS) between Denver and two cities in South Dakota to maintain a minimal level of scheduled air service to these communities that otherwise would not be profitable. After the takeover, Aerodynamics Inc was rebranded to California Pacific Airlines but continues its EAS operations, which are not affected by CPA’s temporary suspension of flight operations.
Nick Wenzel founded International Flight Network in 2016. He is the Social Media Manager and an Editor for IFN.news.
