The startup airline that flew — briefly

A startup airline that had hoped to capitalize on the growth of northern San Diego County has shuttered after flying for only about two months. California Pacific Airlines, which launched flights on Nov. 1 last year from Carlsbad, California to San Jose, halted service in late December, citing a nationwide pilot shortage. The airline, which operated Embraer SA E145 aircraft, had planned to complete additional pilot training in January and resume service. The carrier, which had nearly 90 employees, put all staff on furlough Jan. 18 “with no return to work date,” company spokesman Ryan DiVita said Thursday. He referred further questions to the airline’s Carlsbad office, which did not return a call seeking comment. “CPA regrets the pilot shortage has impacted its customers and appreciates their patience while working to minimize the length of downtime,” the company said Dec. 28. The airline, which operated Embraer SA E145 aircraft, had planned to complete additional pilot training in January and resume service.<br/>