Legend quiet on launch date

Legend Airlines Inc. failed to meet its goal of launching its first flight in March, and the Dallas start-up carrier remains mum on when it will begin flying from Love Field.<br><br>The airline, which

Monday, April 3rd 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

Legend Airlines Inc. failed to meet its goal of launching its first flight in March, and the Dallas start-up carrier remains mum on when it will begin flying from Love Field.

The airline, which plans to offer first-class service at full-fare coach prices, was forced to cancel its original Feb. 29 start date because its planes weren't ready to undergo Federal Aviation Administration safety tests. The carrier's executives had held out hopes for a March launch, but the tests are still ongoing.

Legend has said it will fly to Los Angeles, Washington, and Las Vegas from the Dallas airport.

"We're still hoping to fly next week," said Legend spokeswoman Kimberly Plaskett. Although the airline is selling tickets for Tuesday, "it doesn't mean we will be starting on that date."

Legend expects to complete proving runs this weekend, the airline and an FAA spokesman said Friday.

In the proving runs, one of Legend's four McDonnell Douglas DC-9s is operated as if it were making a regularly scheduled flight.

To launch its service, Legend will need to use at least two of its planes. The other DC-9 will need to undergo engineering inspections, Ms. Plaskett said.

Legend aims to become the first airline in nearly a quarter century to fly from Love Field to cities beyond Texas and seven nearby states.

In February, it won a three-year legal battle against American Airlines Inc. and the city of Fort Worth for the right to fly those long-haul flights as long as it uses planes with 56 seats or fewer.

The one-month delay has eroded some of Legend's $62 million in start-up capital.

It also has narrowed Legend's head start over American, which plans to launch long-haul service from Love Field on May 1. Both airlines are expected to wage a fierce battle for the wallets of North Dallas business travelers, some of American's best customers.

Legend recently restarted a local advertising campaign that was suspended when the carrier canceled its start date.

Television and radio commercials began airing Wednesday, with print ads slated to run Monday.

To show off its planes and new $20 million terminal on the corner of Lemmon Avenue and Lovers Lane, Legend will host a special flight for members of the media on Monday.