Jan. 29--A familiar name is looking to fly from Miami again.
Eastern Air Lines Group said Tuesday that it had taken an initial step to launching a new airline in Miami, albeit one that carries a lot of history.
The old Eastern, which went out of business in 1991, had headquarters in Miami. Although the new company is careful to point out that it is "not affiliated with the former Eastern Air Lines," it bears the branding of the defunct carrier.
That's because the ownership group acquired Eastern's intellectual property several years ago with plans to launch the airline anew.
The company has applied to the United States Department of Transportation for a certificate of public convenience and necessity and plans to start its required certification with the Federal Aviation Administration.
Spokeswoman Maria Schnabel said the plan is to launch in 2014 once approvals are granted. The airline will initially fly charter service for tour operators, she said.
On its website, http://easternairlines.aero/, the company said it has moved into headquarters at Miami International Airport's Building 5A, formerly the Eastern Operations Center.
"The Eastern Airlines name was synonymous with MIA and the Miami community for more than 70 years, so it's certainly exciting to see that this local icon is making a comeback," said Miami-Dade Aviation Director Emilio Gonzalez in a statement. "We look forward to welcoming Eastern back to its historic home in the near future."
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