{"id":630,"date":"2024-01-13T00:47:57","date_gmt":"2024-01-13T00:47:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thrusttech.com\/blog\/?p=630"},"modified":"2024-01-15T19:06:10","modified_gmt":"2024-01-15T19:06:10","slug":"a-vital-link-the-best-regional-airlines","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thrusttech.com\/blog\/a-vital-link-the-best-regional-airlines\/","title":{"rendered":"A Vital Link: TTA Provides Top Quality MRO Services in the Regional Airline Industry"},"content":{"rendered":"

Did you know that 64 percent of U.S. airports receive their commercial airline service from regional airlines? And that 21 U.S. states receive more than half of their service from regional airlines? Both those factoids are \u201chot off the press\u201d \u2013 issued within the Regional Airline Association\u2019s (ARR) 2023 Annual Report<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u201cThose incredible statistics demonstrate just how critically important the regional airline network is in connecting many small or medium-sized U.S. cities with commercial airline hubs or major metropolitan areas,\u201d says Stanley Kowlessar, president and general manager, Thrust Tech Accessories (TTA), an FAA 145 and EASA Certified repair station provider of MRO services in Fort Lauderdale, FL. \u201cThat\u2019s similarly the case across the globe as regional airlines take to the skies daily in providing vital transportation for travelers in Europe, Asia, South America and beyond.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd as a respected MRO serving both the domestic and international markets, we are happy to be playing a key role in keeping multiple regional operator\u2019s airframes in tip-top shape.\u201d<\/p>\n

Regional airlines are defined as full-service carriers that primarily operate domestic and\/or international flights up to approximately six hours. Yes, some regional airlines may operate a few longer flights, but generally their core markets are short and medium-haul routes.<\/p>\n

The Evolution of Regional Air Service <\/strong><\/p>\n

Certainly, the level of prestige that regional air carriers enjoy today wasn\u2019t always the case, particularly in the early years. But that\u2019s changed to a great extent. \u201cToday\u2019s regional airline industry fleet includes both modern turboprops and larger regional jets, depending on passenger traffic on each route,\u201d explains Kowlessar. \u201cWe\u2019ve witnessed first-hand how regional operations have evolved, expanded, and been sizably enhanced over the years \u2013 everything from technological improvements to schedule integrity, passenger comfort, fuel efficiency, safety, and airport facilities.\u201d<\/p>\n

In 2024, of course, some challenges remain including not enough air traffic controllers at certain airports, supply chain issues, and shortages of qualified pilots. The latter challenge has been exacerbated because some regional pilots have joined mainline air carriers that are expanding. Plus, many Baby Boomer regional and mainline pilots are leaving based on mandatory retirement-age requirements.<\/p>\n

In addition, while the U.S. Essential Air Service (EAS) program helps assure minimum air service levels in certain less populous cities, in the post-pandemic era many still have far fewer flights and less competition. In some other cities, airlines have \u201cflown away entirely.\u201d Moving forward, the Regional Airline Association pledges to \u201cremain relentless\u201d in efforts to protect small community air service and advocate for the critical regional airline industry that provides that.<\/p>\n

Here are some additional statistics those of us in the industry you may find of interest:<\/p>\n