CNF Inc., Palo Alto, CA, said yesterday that its Emery Worldwide Airlines unit has suspended its air carrier operations as part of an interim agreement with the Federal Aviation Administration.
The FAA found numerous maintenance discrepancies during four major inspections of the airline over the past year and a half, including improper repairs, installation of unapproved parts and flying aircraft that were not airworthy, according to insiders,.
Emery Worldwide said it expects to resume operations when issues raised by the agency are resolved.
Emery's freight division, which is separate from the airline, will continue operations on a global basis.
“There will be no interruption of freight service, and Emery air freight will meet all of the day-to-day operating requirements of our customers both in North America and around the world,” said Chutta Ratnathicam, Emery Worldwide's CEO.
He said that Emery has made arrangements to service customers in North America using, among others, aircraft operated by Ryan Aviation of Wichita, KS. Emery Worldwide airfreight operates a network of service centers in North America and has operations in more than 200 countries. The airfreight company operates a hub in Dayton, OH, to sort freight. That facility remains fully operational.
However, Emery Worldwide Airlines said it would be forced to furlough up to 800 pilots, crewmembers and other administrative personnel, as necessary.
