SOUTH BEND — A low-cost carrier scheduled to fly from here to the New York City area starting July 13 has delayed those flights by one month.

JetAmerica said Thursday that problems at Newark Liberty International Airport will delay the start of its service until Aug. 14.

It’s one in a string of delays for JetAmerica, which launched as Air Azul in March and said it would start flying June 2.

But shortly after that announcement, the Web site disappeared and customers received letters saying they would get refunds for booked flights while the company re-branded itself.

When the carrier relaunched as JetAmerica in May with $9 fares on some seats, it initially said flights would begin June 30. The company then set the July 13 date.

Brian Burling, vice president of operations for JetAmerica, said the Federal Aviation Administration told the air carrier it would be able to fly to and from Newark.

But later, the FAA rescinded that statement, telling JetAmerica it would need to obtain slots, he said.

Slots are the number of takeoffs and landings airports can allow each day. Busier airports sometimes are “slot-controlled,” with a limit on the number of takeoffs and landings each day.

“Newark’s a very tough airport to get into,” said John Schalliol, executive director of South Bend Regional Airport.

He said the delay won’t cost South Bend’s airport any money.

“We’re hoping that we get the service, but we’ve waived most of the fees anyway,” Schalliol said. “We’re not doing it to make money, we’re doing it to improve service.”

Staff writer Ed Ronco:
eronco@sbtinfo.com
(574) 235-6353