WASHINGTON -- A new U.S. airline planning to offer all first-class
service at comparatively low fares is moving closer to takeoff.
The Transportation Dept. last week gave Primaris tentative
approval to fly.
Final DOT approval of the fitness certificate is a
near-certainty, and the company is working with the FAA on an
operating certificate.
That would seem to leave funding as the last major obstacle.
John Pearsall, president and CEO of the Las Vegas-headquartered
company, said Primaris is "well along" in its plans to raise $64
million from a private offering of stock and "we anticipate to be
ready to go by December."
He said Primaris, offering "Southwest fare levels," plans to
start service with five 757 aircraft, initially flying the
following markets: New York to Los Angeles, Chicago and San
Francisco; Chicago-Los Angeles; and Chicago-Washington.
Primaris also told the DOT it has international aspirations,
including eventual service to France, Germany and London
[Gatwick].
To contact reporter Andrew Compart, send e-mail to [email protected].