NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (AP) — PeoplExpress says it is seeking government approvals to operate as an indirect aircraft carrier.

PeoplExpress said Thursday in a news release that the move will allow it to obtain aircraft from a number of providers, if necessary.

But the approval process is expected to delay the resumption of flights.

PeoplExpress had planned to resume service on or about Oct. 16. The airline says it can’t commit to that date because it needs the government approvals before it can open reservation.

The airline also says it has a tentative agreement with an additional aircraft carrier. The agreement will allow the airline to add a third aircraft as a spare.

The airline suspended flights in late September because of problems that included a shortage of crews and only one plane.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.