Airlines frequently store their jets for a variety of reasons. Sometimes it is only after the plane has retired that it is permanently scrapped. However, many aircraft are temporarily stored until returning to duty.
A Bombardier CRJ700, which had been kept in Arizona for several years, recently flew its first commercial trip after being reactivated for American Eagle.
Stored in Arizona
PSA Airlines has added another Bombardier CRJ700 to its operational fleet after spending some time in storage at Kingman Airport in Mohave County, Arizona. The aircraft, registered as N723PS, is a nearly 20-year-old Bombardier CRJ700.
It operates regional flights for American Airlines under the American Eagle brand and has a seating capacity of 65 people in two cabins: economy and business.
According to Flightradar24, the aircraft was stored in October 2022 after flying to Kingman Airport. Previous flights included stops in Philadelphia, Charlotte, and Detroit.
After being placed in storage, N723PS performed several ‘unknown’ flights on a regular basis, most likely to keep the aircraft in good condition for its anticipated return to service.
Back in service
Hawk-eyed aviation fans have been tracking N723PS’s movements. According to a thread on airliners.net, the plane flew some return-to-service check flights before resumed scheduled commercial operations.
Flightradar24 data shows that it was originally planned to fly from North Central West Virginia Airport (CKB) in Harrison County, West Virginia, to Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) on January 2 but was canceled. Its trip on the same route on January 3 was similarly canceled, with the first commercial flight between the two airports scheduled for January 5.
The CRJ700 in question has several flights scheduled for the coming days, including those between Charlotte and Dayton International Airport (DAY) in Ohio, as well as to other destinations such as Washington and Cincinnati.
Aircraft graveyard
Kingman Airport, where the jet has been sitting for the past few years, is one of the largest airplane graveyards in the United States. These are facilities for storing planes for extended or short periods of time. Some airplanes are scrapped for important parts, while others are subsequently restored to service.
Kingman Airport mostly houses regional jets for major airlines such as Delta Air Lines, United, and American Airlines, but it is also known to host numerous antique war planes. Another airplane graveyard in Arizona is Phoenix Goodyear Airport, which is frequently used to house a variety of widebody and narrowbody aircraft, including Boeing 737s and 777s.
Aircraft storage facilities are typically located in warm, arid areas, making them suitable for storing planes without worrying about humidity or weather damage.
Other facilities in the United States are located at the Mojave Air and Space Port and the Southern California Logistics Airport, both near Victorville, about 90 miles northeast of Los Angeles on the southwestern part of the Mojave Desert. Simple Flying has reviewed these airports and others in the article below.
Flying American’s regional operations
Aircraft storage facilities are typically located in warm, arid areas, making them suitable for storing planes without worrying about humidity or weather damage.
Other facilities in the United States are located at the Mojave Air and Space Port and the Southern California Logistics Airport, both near Victorville, about 90 miles northeast of Los Angeles on the southwestern part of the Mojave Desert. Simple Flying has reviewed these airports and others in the article below.
PSA Airlines is a completely owned regional carrier operating under the American Eagle name. Vee Neal Airlines was created in 1979, but was later renamed Pacific Southwest Airlines. It is based at Dayton International Airport and performs 500 daily flights to approximately 100 destinations on behalf of American Eagle.
Envoy Air, another of American Airlines’ wholly-owned subsidiaries under the American Eagle brand, operates 800 daily flights to more than 160 destinations.
Piedmont carriers, Air Wisconsin, SkyWest Airlines, and Republic Airways are some of the other carriers that fly American Airlines’ regional operations. In the following essay, Simple Flying delves further into American’s regional operations.
Why was PSA Airlines’ Bombardier CRJ700 stored for two years?
The aircraft was stored due to factors such as fleet management, reduced demand, and strategic maintenance, with many airlines storing planes temporarily during low travel periods or for upgrades.
Where was the Bombardier CRJ700 stored?
The Bombardier CRJ700 was stored at Kingman Airport in Arizona, a location known for housing inactive aircraft due to its dry climate which helps preserve planes.
What was involved in bringing the CRJ700 back into service?
To bring the aircraft back into service, PSA Airlines conducted thorough inspections, maintenance checks, and test flights to ensure the aircraft met all operational safety standards.
When did the Bombardier CRJ700 return to service?
PSA Airlines’ Bombardier CRJ700 returned to service on January 5, 2025, after completing necessary maintenance and checks.
Which routes will the reactivated Bombardier CRJ700 fly?
The CRJ700 will primarily operate regional routes, including flights from Charlotte, North Carolina, to various destinations across the U.S. on behalf of American Airlines under the American Eagle brand.
