June 08, 2024
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1 min read
Bark (Air) or bite: Cat fight over dog flights
Bark Air kicked off a scheduled charter flight service just for pups and their people May 23, but the canine-centric airline is already in the doghouse.
Bark and jet charter company Talon Air offer flights between New York’s Westchester County Airport (HPN) and Los Angeles and London on 14-seat Gulfstream jets.
However, Westchester County is now suing both Bark Inc. and Talon because the flights leave from the airport’s private jet area. The county claims that the flights violate county law mandating that both chartered and commercial airlines using aircraft with more than nine seats must use HPN’s six-gate commercial terminal.
Several other air charter companies have challenged that county law in federal court, claiming that federal laws preempt those imposed by the county. But so far, there has been no judgment in the case.
The situation could get ruff, but for now, a Bark spokesperson said: “Bark doesn’t comment on litigation. But we don’t believe this will impact our operations.”
Bark Air’s first flight to London took off last week, and the airline recently released its full schedule through winter. It includes flights from Westchester to Los Angeles, London and Paris.
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Featured image by JOE GALL/BARK AIR
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.