Eastern Air Express (formerly Hillwood Airways and ATX Air Services)[3][4] is an American charter airline headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas and based at Fort Worth Alliance Airport. It was formerly a subsidiary of The Perot Group, which is controlled by Ross Perot, Jr.
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| Founded | 2013 (as ATX Air Services) | ||||||
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| Commenced operations | July 2017 (as Hillwood Airways) November 13, 2023 (as Eastern Air Express) | ||||||
| AOC # | 4TXA995N | ||||||
| Operating bases | Perot Field Fort Worth Alliance Airport | ||||||
| Fleet size | 33 | ||||||
| Parent company | Eastern Air Holdings Inc.[1] | ||||||
| Headquarters | Fort Worth, Texas | ||||||
| Key people | |||||||
| Website | www | ||||||
History
The airline was initially founded in 2013 as ATX Air Services and operated under a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 125 certificate, limiting the airline to only flying under long-term agreements with few clients.[3]
ATX Air Services rebranded as Hillwood Airways in 2016,[4] received its FAA Part 121 Air Carrier Certification on July 24, 2017, and subsequently started charter operations.[5]
The airline commenced operations with a single Boeing 737-700C BBJ and currently offers it for charter in four configurations: 36 first class seats with two conference tables, 60 first class seats, 90 premium economy seats or as a full freighter. It is one of only few Boeing 737 BBJs fitted with a full-size main-deck cargo door.[6]
Between 2019 and 2021 the airline took delivery of three regular Boeing 737-700s that were originally delivered to Airtran Airways and ConocoPhillips Alaska.[7] The three regulars 737-700s are available for charter in all-passenger configurations ranging from 60 first class to 100 premium economy seats.[6]
One of the airline's Boeing 737-700s was involved in the 2021 Kabul airlift.[8]
In May 2023, Eastern Air Holdings, owner of Eastern Airlines, announced its plans to acquire Hillwood Airways.[9] The airline was officially purchased on August 15, 2023, and continues to operate under its existing brand.[1] The company announced on November 13, 2023 its rebrand as Eastern Air Express.[10]
Fleet
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The Hillwood Airways fleet includes the following aircraft (as of April 2024):[6][11]
| Aircraft | In service | Orders | Passengers | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boeing 737-300 | 8 | — | 148 | |
| Boeing 737-300BDSF | 1 | — | Cargo | |
| Boeing 737-400 | 18 | — | 150 | |
| Boeing 737-700C/BBJ | 1 | — | VIP | Can be configured for both cargo-only and passenger operations. |
| Boeing 737-700 | 3 | — | VIP | Passenger seat count varies depending on the specific aircraft and its configuration. |
| Boeing 737-800 | 2 | — | 189 | |
| Total | 33 | — | ||