Piedmont

Piedmont Airlines maintains a strong focus on safety and regulatory compliance.

• Recent safety record and any notable incidents: Piedmont Airlines experienced a fatal ground incident in December 2022 at Montgomery Regional Airport, where a ground crew member was fatally injured after being pulled into a jet engine. A June 2023 investigation by OSHA determined that Piedmont failed to follow required safety procedures. Other reported incidents in late 2023 and 2024 include an engine shutdown in flight (October 2024), turbulence causing passenger injury (December 2024), a lightning strike (May 2024), and a landing gear problem on departure (December 2023). Historically, the unrelated original Piedmont Airlines (1948-1989) had several notable accidents in the mid-20th century.
• Regulatory certifications: Piedmont Airlines operates under the strict oversight of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The airline has implemented a robust Safety Management System (SMS) since 2011, which integrates safety into every aspect of its operations and involves continuous collaboration with the FAA to exceed compliance requirements. Furthermore, Piedmont pilots, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA), participate in an Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP), a voluntary reporting system for safety-related issues, in conjunction with management and the FAA.
• Fleet age and maintenance reputation: Piedmont's fleet consists exclusively of Embraer ERJ 145 regional jets. While some older employee reviews from 2019 suggested the ERJ-145s were "worn out, used up hand-me-downs", the airline has consistently been a multi-year winner of the FAA Diamond Award of Excellence. This award is a significant recognition of high standards in maintenance training, reflecting a strong commitment to aircraft upkeep. Piedmont operates numerous maintenance bases across its network, including key locations like Charlotte, Philadelphia, and Salisbury.
• Overall safety assessment based on available data: Piedmont Airlines is deeply committed to a proactive safety culture, underscored by its comprehensive Safety Management System and close working relationship with the FAA. While the 2022 ground incident highlights the critical need for rigorous adherence to ground safety protocols, the consistent receipt of the FAA Diamond Award of Excellence indicates a strong maintenance program. Overall, Piedmont's safety framework and ongoing engagement with regulatory bodies reflect a dedication to operational safety.
• Any safety awards or recognitions: Piedmont Airlines is a multi-year recipient of the FAA Diamond Award of Excellence. Internally, the airline also recognizes outstanding team members through awards such as the President's Award, which celebrates individuals embodying core values including compliance, reflecting a company-wide commitment to safety standards.