The driver of a Sky Chef catering vehicle reportedly suffered minor injuries after colliding with an Embraer E175American Eagle jet on the ramp at Boston Logan International Airport (BOS). The aircraft is one operated by Republic Airways, and no one was onboard at the time of the accident, according to Boston 25 News.
The aircraft had arrived at Boston from New York JFK Airport the night before, close to midnight, as Flightradar24 data shows. Following the incident, it was towed to a hangar for inspection, and no further updates on the condition of the jet have been released.
Growing In The Post-Pandemic Era
A Brazilian-built Embraer of Republic Airways departing San Antonio International Airport.
Photo: Austin Deppe | Shutterstock
Republic Airways is one of the largest regional air carriers in America, flying a fleet exclusively composed of Embraer 170 and 175 commuter jets. The airline has over 240 aircraft in its inventory, serving as a subsidiary carrier for American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines. The company currently employs over 6,000 people across its network.
Republic Airways opened a new training campus and corporate headquarters in Carmel, Indiana, in 2021 as the carrier saw rising demand as air travel surged back following the end of Coronavirus-related travel restrictions. In a press release concerning the project, Matt Koscal, Republic Airways Chief Administrative Officer, said:
“This project ensures Republic is positioned to attract and retain, the most talented and trained professionals in aviation, by creating a space designed specifically to meet the needs of our associates and to reduce inefficiencies. Locating in the city of Carmel indicates our desire to provide a first-class corporate campus and training facility as this city is often listed among the best places to live, work and raise a family.”
The Jet Body Shop
American Eagle Embraer E175 Regional Jet landing at LAX Airport
Photo: Martin Chavez | Shutterstock
As photos posted on Facebook reveal, the damage to the underside of the aircraft appears to be at least fairly substantial to the jet’s skin. It’s extremely important to fully repair any potential punctures or larger penetrations in the fuselage cabin before the plane takes off again and uses its pressurization system in flight. The consequences of sudden, violent depressurization can be disastrous in some cases, and the risk is a serious concern to the safety of flight.
Repairing a fuselage entails a comprehensive analysis of the aircraft's structure utilizing non-destructive testing techniques such as eddy current and ultrasonic testing, according to the Aerokool MRO website. Finite Element Analysis (FEA), which simulates the distribution of stress, is essential for stress analysis and material assessment. Aluminum fuselages are repaired using welding and heat treatment methods, whereas composite fuselages are repaired using precise procedures, including vacuum bagging and composite patching.
Professional technicians with knowledge of how to use tools and equipment must be the only personnel allowed to perform any maintenance on commercial jets. Thorough documentation and adherence to aviation repair regulations are crucial. Repairs are also an opportunity to learn and apply refined techniques on future maintenance. Expert fuselage repair is a difficult procedure that calls for caution, strict respect for rules, and a dedication to accuracy.
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The Excellent Embraer E175
An Embraer E175 aircraft operated by American Eagle
Photo: BD Images | Shutterstock
The airplane that experienced the low-speed collision at BOS was registration number N432YX, which Planespotters tells is an 11-year-old E175 that has exclusively served the Republic Airways fleet since it rolled off the assembly line. Embraer is doing very well with America’s regional airlines, as SkyWest, another major subsidiary carrier, completed a deal for $3.6 billion USD worth of E175 jets. That will be a total of 60 confirmed new aircraft and up to 50 optional planes in addition.
The E175 is known for having a “big jet” feel despite its smaller size. It is considered the most spacious and comfortable series of regional jets as its cabin spaces are more open, with larger overhead bins and a relatively quiet in-flight experience. The plane features General Electric engines and climbs up to 41,000 feet like its larger commercial counterpart,s such as the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 families.