CLEVELAND, Ohio, January 3rd, 2023 – CommuteAir, a leading regional airline and the sole Embraer ERJ145 operator for the United Express network, today announced, in partnership with United Airlines, a significant fleet investment aimed to bring next generation capabilities and efficiencies to its operations through the installation of an enhanced Honeywell Flight Management System (FMS). The upgraded FMS is designed to drive significant operational efficiencies and leverage enhanced safety capabilities as next generation air traffic control initiatives roll out over the next decade.
“This update to the avionics system will increase safety, efficiency, and mechanical reliability. Our maintenance team is scheduled to begin installing the upgraded FMS in March 2023,” remarked Lon Ziegler, CommuteAir’s Vice President of Maintenance and Technical Services.
“Our upgraded FMS will provide additional instrument approaches at dozens of airports that were not available in prior versions, optimizing flight approach procedures and further strengthens both safety and reliability,” said Captain David W. Fitzgerald, CommuteAir’s Vice President of Flight Operations.
This latest fleet investment in next-gen technology is part of an ongoing multi-million dollar ERJ145 fleet enhancement campaign at CommuteAir that began in 2021. CommuteAir has already refurbished 44 of its aircraft interiors with new sidewalls, overhead bins, bulkhead finishes, LED cabin and reading lights, and a completely redesigned lavatory. Interior refurbishment on the rest of the fleet will be completed in 2023.
“United Airlines is excited to partner with CommuteAir on new investments in the ERJ145 fleet to improve our customers’ experience as a part of our overall United Next strategy,” said Mauricio Angel, who serves on CommuteAir’s board of directors and also at United Airlines as Managing Director of United Express.
About CommuteAir
CommuteAir is a regional airline operating flights on behalf of United Airlines as a United Express partner. With an operating fleet of more than 60 Embraer ERJ145 aircraft, CommuteAir operates up to 1,500 weekly flights – connecting people and communities to the world via United’s global network. Headquartered in Cleveland, CommuteAir has major hubs in Denver, Houston, and Washington Dulles. Additionally, the company operates maintenance hangars in Houston, Albany, NY, and Lincoln, Nebraska. Founded in 1989, CommuteAir is majority-owned by Champlain Enterprises, Inc. and 40% owned by United Airlines, Inc.
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