The US Department of Transportation (DOT) has revoked the certification of Boston-based and Australian-led Waltzing Matilda Aviation (WMA) to operate scheduled passenger flights due to failure in starting flights within 12 months of certification issuance, triggering default dormancy provisions.
WMA is a licensed Part 135 private jet operator and had plans to start a regional Part 121 carrier called Connect Airlines, connecting Toronto Billy Bishop City Centre to US northeast airports.
WMA CEO John Thomas expressed surprise at the revocation but mentioned that it doesn’t prevent them from reapplying.
WMA had requested a dormancy provisions waiver from the DOT but failed to provide the necessary financial information, and the FAA terminated their certification activities in September 2023.
The DOT’s decision to revoke the certification was based on non-responsiveness to requests for information and the lack of demonstrated ability to start operations.
WMA can refile an application for certification, but the DOT will require third-party verification of the capital needed, along with proof of financial fitness and citizenship due to WMA’s history in this case.
