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Economy

Fledgling Carlsbad-Based Airline Gets First Aircraft Delivered

A fledgling Carlsbad-based airline took delivery of its first aircraft today, an Embraer 170 regional jet.

California Pacific Airlines, which will be based at McClellan-Palomar Airport, plans to begin operations this fall, pending regulatory approval. Its founder is Ted Vallas, a 91-year-old businessman who expanded and improved the El Camino and Morgan Run golf courses.

According to its website, the airline plans to fly between Carlsbad and Cabo San Lucas, Las Vegas, Oakland, Phoenix, Sacramento and San Jose using aircraft that seat around 70 passengers.

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The jet has a white fuselage with a light-blue, dark-blue wave pattern on the tail.

So far, only United Express operates out of Carlsbad, with commuter flights to Los Angeles. Travelers who live in the North County either have to travel to Lindbergh Field or north to Orange County.