The parent company of American Eagle Airlines is continuing with its plans to spin off the regional carrier into a separate company, a move that could impact flights to the Virgin Islands and the region.

In an Aug. 11 filing with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, AMR Eagle Holding Corporation officially announced its intention to spin off the regional airline by giving existing shareholders stock in the new company, which will be renamed. The date of the spin-off was not announced.

American Eagle operates 281 aircrafts and has the largest seat capacity among carriers that fly into San Juan, Puerto Rico, according to the filing. AMR officials believe the spin-off will give the airline more flexibility to grow and raise capital in the financial markets. American Eagle currently operates as the regional carrier handling passengers for American Airlines, but as a separate company it will be able to offer connecting flights for other major carriers.

 

See the Aug. 18, 2011 edition for full coverage.