Loss-making Intel grounding corporate space shuttle fleet

After dismal second-quarter results and a gloomy outlook, Intel is grounding its fleet of four Embraer jets. The move comes after the company announced aggressive cost-cutting measures, including laying off 15 percent of its workforce.

The Santa Clara, Calif.-based company has operated a corporate shuttle bus that shuttles employees to and from various facilities on the West Coast for decades. The planes, commonly called “Intel Air,” fly on regular schedules, with up to 24 flights a day before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Intel Air Shuttle has four active aircraft in its fleet, including two Embraer E145s and two E175s, according to Cirium Fleet Analyzer data. The company has hangars at Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport (KAZA), Sacramento Mather Airport (KMHR) in California, and Hillsboro Airport (KHIO) in Oregon. It also operates flights to San Jose, California.

First reported by The Oregonian/Oregon Live, permanent shuttle closure joins long list of other restricted employee benefits.

“We’re really not in a position where we can afford to continue to provide benefits and programs that go beyond what the market standard allows,” Christy Pambianchi, Intel’s chief human resources officer, told employees.

Intel recently resumed shuttle operations in April 2024 after a one-year hiatus. At the time, a company spokesperson said the shutdown was intended to “reduce employee travel as part of our ongoing cost-cutting efforts.”

The four planes are operated by GMJ Air Shuttle, which uses the call sign “High Tech.” GMJ is part of Florida-based private aviation company XOJet and operates under FAA Part 125 regulations.

Intel did not immediately respond to AirlineGeeks’ request for comment on the airline’s closure.

Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com in February 2013 and has extensive experience in the aviation industry. His work has been featured in numerous publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he has worked in airport/airline operations roles while earning a BS in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University and an MBA. Ryan has experience in several aspects of the industry, from flying a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks owner FLYING Media, where he leads coverage of commercial aviation operations.