- Westchester County is suing BARK Air, which bills itself as the first “air travel experience” designed for dogs.
- The county alleges that BARK Air is operating in the private jet area of Westchester County Airport, contrary to county law.
- BARK Air uses a Gulfstream Aerospace GV jet, with a capacity of 14 seats.
Just days after six canines aboard BARK Air — which bills itself as the first “air travel experience” designed for dogs — boarded the charter company’s inaugural flight out of Westchester County, the county sued BARK in federal court, alleging Westchester airport use violations. restrictions.
Lawyers for Westchester County, New York, say BARK Air is operating in the private jet area of the Westchester County Airport, contrary to county law, which prohibits commercial and charter aircraft with more than nine seats from using the private jet terminal.
BARK Air uses a Gulfstream Aerospace GV jet, with a capacity of 14 seats.
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Why is BARK Air being sued?
Westchester County is seeking an injunction against BARK that would prohibit it from operating in the private jet arena. The only other option would be for BARK to operate from the passenger terminal. But space at the terminal is severely limited, given the county’s imposition of a maximum passenger limit and voluntary restrictions on night flights.
However, a BARK Air spokesperson said its furry customers should still be able to board upcoming trips. Although the company “does not comment on litigation,” according to the spokesperson, “we do not believe it will affect our operations.”
Named alongside BARK in the Westchester lawsuit is Talon Air, which is a private jet company partnering with BARK to offer canine aviation service. Although the company was later sold, Talon Air was initially founded by Democratic mega-donor Adam Katz, who donated tens of thousands of dollars to County Executive George Latimer’s political coffers.
Three other airlines have separately sued Westchester in federal court, alleging that restrictions on the use of the county airport on charter flights violate federal law. However, a judge has yet to rule on their claims.
Westchester County has made its frustration with public charter services clear. In a regulatory filing with the Federal Aviation Administration, it said the latest iteration of public charters “very closely resembles” the services offered by large commercial airlines.
Public charter companies “are attempting to force airports like (Westchester) HPN to allow them to fly” from the private jet terminal “and thereby gain a competitive advantage” over commercial airlines, the county said in its filing.
“Consequently, the two must comply with the same safety standards and airport sponsors must continue to treat them equally,” the county added.
Asher Stockler is a reporter for The Journal News and USA Today Network New York. You can email him at astockler@lohud.com. Contact him securely: asher.stockler@protonmail.com.
