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ValuJet's return delayed
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August 21, 1996: 3:57 p.m. ET
Airline still awaiting FAA and DOT approvals to fly
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ATLANTA (CNNfn) -- ValuJet Airlines Inc. -- grounded by the U.S. government in the wake of a May fatal crash -- said Wednesday that it will not return to the air on Friday as planned.
Spokesman Greg Kenyon told CNN that the airline is still waiting for Federal Aviation Agency and Department of Transportation approvals to reintroduce service.
"We can't resume until we get the final OK from those agencies," Kenyon said.
He said that once the carrier receives the necessary approvals, it will begin service with seven aircraft connecting five unidentified cities.
However, the Washington Post quoted financial analysts Wednesday as saying the discount carrier might have to wait until at least early September for permission to fly again.
Analysts told the paper that they thought the Clinton administration -- fearing another disaster -- might wait until after next week's Democratic National Convention to give ValuJet the green light.
DOT spokesman Bill Mosley claimed objections from the company's flight attendants have held up ValuJet's application.
The attendants' union has charged that ValuJet's current management cannot make sure the carrier flies safely.
Mosley said the DOT, which is under no statutory deadline to approve ValuJet's application, will take as long as it needs to review the matter.
On Wednesday, ValuJet conducted a second day of "proving runs" with FAA and DOT inspectors aboard test flights.
The FAA grounded the airline on June 17, questioning the carrier's maintenance and airworthiness just one month after a ValuJet DC-9 crashed outside Miami, killing all 110 passengers and crew aboard.
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