AIRLINES FLOWN
by
ISA+21 MEMBERS
Dear ISA+21 Members
This booklet of “Airlines Flown by ISA+21 Members”
encompasses general historical information concerning
when airlines were founded, established, commenced
operations, merged or ceased operations. Wikipedia was
the source of research and data gathered in this booklet.
Please contact me if you have additional airline facts or
corrections and I will insert the new data into the master
copy. This booklet is intended for ISA+21 members only.
Compiled By
Captain Sandy Anderson (ret)
(Original, December 31, 2017)
(Revision #1, March 18, 2018)
(Revision #2, May 31, 2018)
(Revision #3, June 30, 2018
Contact Information
901-619-7934c
Legend
Blue text is the date an airline was founded or commenced operations.
Red text is the date an airline ceased operations.
Airlines Flown by ISA+21 Members
(Source of Research & Information is Wikipedia)
Aer Lingus, (Anglicization of the Irish aerloingeas) is the flag carrier airline of Ireland. Aer Lingus was founded on
15 April 1936. The name Aer Lingus was proposed by Richard F O'Connor, who was County Cork Surveyor, as well
as an aviation enthusiast. Aer Lingus service began on 27 May 1936, five days after being registered as an airline.
Aeroflot - Russian Airlines: (Russian: ПАО "Аэрофло́т — Росси́йские авиали́нии", PAO Aeroflot—Rossiyskiye
avialinii) (MCX: AFLT), commonly known as Aeroflot. The airline was founded on Feb. 9, 1923 and commenced
operations on 15 July 1923. Aeroflot is the flag carrier and largest airline of the Russian Federation. Aeroflot is
one of the oldest airlines in the world, tracing its history back to 1923. During the Soviet era, Aeroflot was the
Soviet national airline and the largest airline in the world.
Aertirrena Airlines: Founded in 1966. First flight of the airline took off in June 1970. Ceased service in 1975.
Airborne Express: Originally founded as Airborne Flower Traffic Association of California in 1946. In 1968
Airborne of California merged with Pacific Air Freight of Seattle and changed its name to Airborne Freight
Corporation. In 1980, the airline changed its name to Airborne Express. In August 2003, DHL acquired Airborne
Express and spun off its air operations as ABX Air, Inc.
AirTran Airways: Founded in 1992 as ValuJet Airlines and commenced flying October 26, 1993. July 10, 1997,
ValuJet acquired Airways Corporation, Inc., the holding company for AirTran Airways. Deal was closed on
November 17, 1997 and ValuJet changed names to AirTran Airlines. On December 28, 2014, AirTran Airlines
ceased operations as it was integrated into Southwest Airlines. (also see ValuJet Airlines)
Air Cal: Founded in 1967 as Air California, later renamed AirCal in 1981. AirCal ceased operations 1987 as it was
acquired by AMR Corp, the parent company of American Airlines. (see American Airlines)
Air Canada: Founded in 1937 as Trans-Canadian Airlines (TCA) and commenced operations on 1938. TCA was
renamed Air Canada on January 1, 1965.
AirFrance or stylized as AIRFRANCE: Founded October 7, 1933 from a merger of Air Orient, Air Union, Compagnie
Generale Aeropostle, Compagnie Internationale de Navigation Aerienne (CIDNA), and Societe Generale de
Transport Aerien (SGTA). In 1990, it acquired Air Inter and international rival UTA- Union de Transports Aeriens. It
served as France’s primary national flag carrier for seven decades prior to its 2003 merger with KLM.
Air India (Tata Airlines): The airline was founded in October 15, 1932 by J. R. D. Tata as Tata Airlines. Tata himself
flew its first single-engine de Havilland Puss Moth, carrying air mail from Karachi to Bombay's Juhu aerodrome and
later continuing to Madras (currently Chennai). After World War II, it became a public limited company and was
renamed as Air India in July 29, 1946.
Air Italy: Set up in 2005 and started operations on May 29, 2005. On 19 July 2011, Meridiana, known as
Meridiana fly back then, announced their merger with Air Italy. Since 2013, Air Italy operates entirely on behalf of
Merdiana. The name Air Italy is no longer used in public.
Air Jamaica: Established in October 1968 and started operations on April 1, 1969. On 1 July 2011, all Air Jamaica
and Caribbean Airline flights began operating under Caribbean Airlines’s “BW” IATA code. Air Jamaica ceased all
operations during 2015.
Air Malta: In 1947, The Malta Instone Airline, BAS (Malta) Ltd, and Malta Airlines merged form Air Malta Ltd.
Eventually in 1951, Malta Airlines absorbed the operations of Air Malta Ltd. Air Malta Ltd was established on 31
March 1973 and first flight was 1 April 1974.
Air New Zealand: Originated in 1940 as Tasman Empire Airways Limited (TEAL). TEAL became wholly owned by
the New Zealand government in 1965, whereupon it was renamed Air New Zealand. In 1978, the government
merged Air New Zealand and the domestic New Zealand National Airways Corporation (NAC) into a single airline
under the Air New Zealand name. Air New Zealand was privatized in 1989, but returned to majority government
ownership in 2001 after near bankruptcy due to a failed tie up with Australian carrier Ansett Australia.
Air Sophia: The airline was established in 1992 and started operations on 11 February 1992. On March 5, 2007 the
airline relocated to Serbia under a new name, United International Airlines. Air Sophia ceased operations March 5,
2007. (Also see United International Airlines)
Air South: Air South may refer to one of the following companies:
• Air South (Georgia), a former US airline (1969-1978)
• Air South (Alabama), a former US airline (1981-1982)
• Air South (Florida), a former US airline (1986-1987)
• Air South (Australia), an Australian airline (since 1990)
• Air South (South Carolina), a US airline from 1994-1997
Air Wisconsin: Established in 1965 and started operations on August 1965. In 1985, it merged with Mississippi
Valley Airlines (MVA) and continued to operate under the Air Wisconsin name. In 1990, it acquired Denver-based
Aspen Airways and was itself bought by United Airlines a year later (1991). In 1993, United Airlines sold Air
Wisconsin and AW was then renamed Air Wisconsin Airlines Corporation (AWAC) as UAL retained the rights to the
Air Wisconsin name and logo. In February 1998, AWAC acquired the assets of Mountain Air Express. Later, United
failed to renew its contract with AWAC allowing it to expire in April 2005. During 2005, AWAC invested into US
Airways. Since 2005, AWAC has flown all of its CRJ 200s as a US Airways Express carrier.
Alaska, Alaska Air Lines, Alaska Airlines, Ret. & Inc.: Founded as McGee Airways in 1932. In 1934, McGee sold his
namesake airline for US$50,000 to Star Air Service. In 1937, McGee came back to the airline and later that year,
Star Air Service purchased Alaska Interior Airlines and was incorporated as Star Air Lines. Star was again sold to a
group of miners in that same 1937. In 1941, Star Air Service was purchased by Raymond Marshall and the airline's
name was changed to Alaska Star Airlines. The name Alaska Airlines was adopted on May 2, 1944 having narrowly
beaten a competitor who was also applying for the name.
Alitalia – Linee Aeree Italiane S.p.A. (Alitalia-Italian Air Lines) was established on 16 September 1946 as Aerolinee
Italiane Internazionali. It started operations on May 5, 1947. On October 31, 1957, Alitalia merged with Linee
Aeree Italiane and took on the name of Alitalia Linee Aeree Italiane. Ceased operations January 12, 2009 and re-
branded to Alitalia – Compagnia Aerea Italiana S.p.A. later Alitalia – Societa Aerea Italiana.
ALM Antillean Airlines: Founded in 1964 and it was shut-down in 2001.
Allegiant, Allegiant Air: Allegiant was founded in January 1997 under the name WestJet Express. After a
trademark dispute with West Jet Air Center & the name’s similarity to WestJet Airlines of Canada, the airline
adopted the name Allegiant Air in 1998.
Aloha Airlines: Founded as a charter carrier Trans-Pacific Airlines commencing operations on July 26, 1946. In
1950, the airline adopted the name TPA-The Aloha Airline. In November 1958, the company changed its name to
Aloha Airlines. Ceased operations on March 31, 2008.
America West Airlines: Established in February 1981 and began operations August 1, 1983. Ceased operations in
2005 and merged with US Airways. US Airways would later merge with American Airlines in 2013.
American Eagle Airlines: Founded in 1984. Other carriers that have flown in American eagle livery include
Executive Airlines, Command Airways, Air Virginia, Simmons Airlines, Chaparral Airlines and Wings West Airlines.
By mid-1991 AMR had consolidated the number of carriers to four. Further in May 1998, AMR reduced the
number of carriers to two: American Eagle Airlines, Inc. and Executive Airlines, Inc. In 2014, the company changed
its name to Envoy Air Inc. but American Eagle continues to live on as a brand, as well as livery for Envoy-operated
and third party-operated regional flights.
American Trans Air: (see ATA Airlines)
American Airlines: Founded April 15, 1926 as American Airways and commenced operations June 15, 1936. The
two organizations from which American Airlines was originated were Robertson Aircraft Corporation and Colonial
Air Transport. The former was first formed in Missouri in 1921, with both being merged in 1929 into holding
company The Aviation Corporation. This in turn, was made in 1930 into an operating company and rebranded as
American Airways. In 1934, when new laws and attrition of mail contracts forced many airlines to reorganize, the
corporation redid its routes into a connected system, and was renamed American Airlines. American Airlines
merged with several carriers since its formation in 1930. These have included Trans Caribbean Airways in 1971, Air
California in 1987, Reno Air in 1999, Trans World Airlines (TWA) in 2001 and US Airways in 2015. Between 1970
and 2000, the company grew into being an international carrier, purchasing Trans World Airlines in 2001. In 2011,
due to a downturn in the airline industry, American Airlines' parent company AMR Corporation filed for bankruptcy
protection. In 2013, US Airways purchased American Airlines but kept the American Airlines name, as it was the
better recognized brand internationally; the combination of the two airlines resulted in the creation of the largest
airline in the United States, and ultimately the world.
Ansett Australia: Also known as Ansett-ANA founded in 1935 by Reginald "Reg" Ansett as Ansett Airways Pty Ltd.
Ansett was a major Australian airline group, based in Melbourne. The airline flew domestically within Australia and
from the 1990s to destinations in Asia. After operating for 66 years, the airline was placed into “administration” in
2001 following a financial collapse, and subsequent organized liquidation in 2002, subject to deed of company
arrangement.
ATA Airlines (formally known as American Trans Air): ATA was established in February 1973 as Ambassadair Travel
Club. It was an American low-cost scheduled service and charter airline. On April 2, 2008, ATA filed for Chapter 11
bankruptcy protection and announced it was ceasing all services, effective Thursday April 3, 2008. ATA ceased all
services on April 3, 2008. Southwest Airlines owns and retains all ownership of the operating certificate and all
assets held by ATA Airlines including trademarks, logos, etc. These were purchased for $7.5 million by Southwest
while ATA was operating under bankruptcy protection.
Atlas Air: Founded in April 1992 by the late Michael Chowdry. The airline was named after Atlas, a Titan in Greek
mythology, who carried the heavens on his shoulders. Their symbol on the plane's tail is a golden man carrying a
golden world. It is a cargo airline, passenger charter airline, and aircraft lessor based in Purchase, New York. On
January 30, 2004, Atlas Air World Wide entered Chapter 11 bankruptcy. In July 2004 the parent company
completed its restructuring plan and emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. On April 7, 2016, Atlas Air
Worldwide Holdings purchased Southern Air. On May 5, 2016, Amazon.com and Atlas Air announced a deal for
Amazon.com to lease 20 Boeing 767s in order to fuel growth to their new Amazon air freight service, branded as
Amazon Air.
Atlantic Southeast Airlines: On March 12, 1979, the company was incorporated as Atlantic Southeast Airlines, Inc.
On March 22, 1999, Delta Air Lines acquired the company, and then on August 15, 2005, Delta announced that it
had entered into an agreement to sell ASA to SkyWest, Inc. Acquisition was completed on September 8, 2005. On
February 12, 2009 Atlantic Southeast created aviation history by having the first all-female African American crew
in United States history. Flight 5202, a Bombardier CRJ700, departed Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International
enroute to Nashville International with Captain Rachelle Jones and First Officer Stephanie Grant at the controls,
and Flight Attendants Diana Galloway and Robin Rogers taking care of the passengers' needs. The return leg, Flight
5106 to Atlanta, had the same crew.
Atlas Air: Founded in April 1992 by the Pakistani American aerospace enthusiast Michael Chowdry. It started
operations in 1993. Atlas Air is a cargo airline, passenger charter airline, and aircraft lessor based in Purchase, NY.
Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings is made up of Atlas Air, Inc., Polar Air Cargo, Southern Air Inc., Florida West
International Airways and Titan Aviation Holdings. On January 30, 2004, Atlas Air World Wide entered Chapter 11
bankruptcy. In July 2004 the parent company completed its restructuring plan and emerged from Chapter 11
bankruptcy protection.
Australian Airlines: Founded in 2001 as full-service airline based in Australia, servicing Australian and Asian
destinations between 2002 and 2006. It was an all-economy, full-service international leisure carrier, and was a
wholly owned subsidiary of Qantas, (although run independently of the mainline carrier). The airline ceased
operations under its own livery on 30 June 2006, but continued to operate flights for Qantas under a wet lease
agreement. This means Australian Airlines operated flights for Qantas using its own crew/cost base, but under the
Qantas brand. Qantas decided to discontinue the public use of the Australian Airlines brand in favor of having
Jetstar Airways as its leisure, now low-cost, carrier. Qantas and Jetstar are operating services to replace Australian
Airlines' routes, with Jetstar International introduced in late 2006 to help expand the Qantas Group's international
presence.
Biman Bangladesh Airlines: Founded January 4, 1972, commonly known as Biman, and commenced operations
February 4, 1972. The airline was wholly owned and managed by the government of Bangladesh until July 23,
2007, when it was transformed into the country’s largest “public limited company” by the Caretaker Government
of Bangladesh. The airline provides international passenger and cargo services.
Boeing Company: Founded July 15, 1916 by William Boeing in Seattle, WA. Boeing was incorporated in Seattle on
July 15, 1016 as “Pacific Aero Products Co.” On May 9, 1917, the company became the “Boeing Airplane
Company”. In 1925, Boeing created an airline named Boeing Air Transport, which merged a year later with Pacific
Air Transport and the Boeing Airplane Company. (For more information, see Wikipedia) The Boeing Company is an
American multinational corporation that designs, manufactures and sells airplanes, rotorcraft, rockets, and
satellites worldwide.
Braniff International Airways: Founded May 29, 1928 by Thomas Elmer Braniff and brother Paul R. Braniff doing
business as Tulsa-Oklahoma City Airline. Service began on June 20, 1928. The Braniff brothers remained a part of
the company as the ownership was transferred to Universal Aviation Corporation in April 1929. With the purchase
of the company by Universal, the entity began operating as Braniff Air Lines, Inc. In early 1930, the company was
purchased by the Aviation Corp. (AVCO) holding company, whose other holdings included the predecessors of
American Airlines. The Braniff brothers started a new airline in November 1930 named Braniff Airways, Inc. The
airline ceased operations in May 1982 because high fuel prices and the Airline Deregulation Act of Dec. 1978
rendered it uncompetitive. Two later airlines used the Braniff name: the Hyatt Hotels-backed Braniff, Inc. 1984-89
and Braniff International Airlines, Inc. in 1991-92.
Canadian Airlines (Canadian Airlines International Ltd): Founded in 1987 (amalgamation) when Pacific Western
Airlines purchased Canadian Pacific Air Lines (which operated as CP Air for a number of years), which in turn had
recently acquired Eastern Provincia Airways and Nordair. In 1989, Canadian Airlines acquired Wardair. After
continued poor performance, Canadian Airlines ceased operations in 2000 as it was acquired by Air Canada.
Cargolux: The cargo airline was established in March 1970 by Luxair and started operations in May 1970. In 1982,
China Airlines became the first airline company to sign a strategic alliance with Cargolux. 1988 saw the birth of
Lion Air, a passenger charter airline established by both Cargolux and Luxair; however, the charter airline world
proved unsuccessful and soon Lion Air folded. Cargolux and Luxair are still in operation today.
Cathy Dragon: (See Dragonair or Wikipedia for more details)
China Airlines: Established on 16 December 1959 with its shares completely held by the Republic of China
government. It was founded by a retired Air Force officer
and initially concentrated on charter flights. During the
1960s, China Airlines was able to establish its first scheduled routes. In 1979, the airlines switched all operations
from the small downtown Songshan International Airport to the newly built Chiang Kai-shek International Airport
(current Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport). As Taiwan's flag carrier, China Airlines has been affected by
disputes over the political status of Taiwan, and under pressure from Mainland China was barred from flying into a
number of countries maintaining diplomatic relations with the PRC. Due to the company's poor safety record in
the 1990s, China Airlines began to change its pilot recruitment practices and the company began to actively recruit
civilian-trained pilots with proven track records. In addition, the company began recruiting university graduates as
trainees in its own pilot training program. In December 2013, China Airlines announced its new joint venture with
Singaporean low cost carrier Tigerair Holdings (now defunct and replaced by Budget Aviation Holdings) to establish
Tigerair Taiwan. The new airline flew its inaugural flight to Singapore on 26 September 2014 and became the first,
and currently only, Taiwanese low-cost carrier
CommutAir (Champlain Enterprises, Inc.): Established in 1979, a commuter airline using the name Commutair
operated intercity shuttle service in the Houston, Texas area. In 1989, it became a regional airline operating under
the name United Express for United Airlines. Operates mainly in the Northeast and Midwest United States.
Compass Airlines (Compass Airlines, LLC): Established September 28, 2006 and began operations on April 5, 2007.
Compass Airlines was formed as a result of a contract dispute between Northwest Airlines and its pilots’ union, the
Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA). On July 1, 2010, Delta Air Lines sold Compass Airlines to Trans States Holdings.
On March 27, 2015, the airlines began operating for American Airlines under the America Eagle (airline brand).
Condor Flugdienst GmbH-branded as Condor: Founded on December 21, 1955 as Deutsche Flugdienst GmbH.
Flight operations were launched on March 29, 1956. In 1961, Deutsche Flugdienst took over its rival Condor-
Lufteederei (which was founded in 1957 by Oetker), subsequently changing its name to Condor Flugdienst GmbH,
thus re-introducing the “Condor” name with Lufthansa.
Continental Airlines: Founded in 1934 as Varney Speed Lines. The carrier was renamed Continental Air Lines
(later changed to “Airlines”) on July 8, 1937. In May 2010, the airline announced that it would merge with UAL
Corporation, the parent company of United Airlines. The acquisition was completed in October 2010, at which
time the holding company was renamed United Continental Holdings. On March 3, 2012, Continental Airlines
ceased operations and merged with United Airlines. (See United/Continental in this document or Wikipedia for
more history & information)
Continental Express: Continental Express was formed in 1986. Since the 1978 deregulation of the U.S. airline
industry, U.S. carriers increasingly contracted flying to smaller destinations with small regional carriers. Having one
subsidiary airline for Continental was preferable to the previous scenario of numerous agreements with various
smaller airlines. Following the merger of Continental with United on March 3, 2012, the "Continental Express"
brand ceased operation and was renamed as United Express.
Cross Air: No information found??
Delta Air Lines: Founded in 1924 as a crop dusting operation by Huff Daland Dusters in Macon, GA. The company
moved to Monroe, Louisiana and was later named Delta Air Services (1928) and commenced passenger services on
June 17, 1929. One of the three remaining legacy carriers, Delta is the sixth-oldest operating airline by foundation
date, and the oldest airline still operating in the United States. Among predecessors of today's Delta Air Lines,
Western Airlines and Northwest Airlines began flying passengers in 1926 and 1927, respectively. The current Delta
Air Lines is the result of many airline mergers over a period of more than 80 years. (See Wikipedia for more history
& information)
Dragonair: Hong Kong Dragon Airlines Ltd (Chinese: 港龍航空公司), operating brand as Cathay Dragon (Chinese:
國泰港龍航空) and previously as Dragonair, is a Hong Kong-based international regional airline. The airline was
founded on May 24, 1985 by Chao Kuang Piu, the airline's present honorary chairman. Dragonair was the first
local competitor for Hong Kong's largest airline, Cathay Pacific, in forty years and since the airline's inception.
Eastern Air Lines: Founded in 1926 as Pitcairn Aviation. Eastern Air Lines was a composite of assorted air travel
corporations, including Florida Airway and Pitcairn Aviation. In 1929, Clement Keys, the owner of North American
Aviation, purchased Pitcairn. In 1930, Keys changed the company’s name to Eastern Air transport. After being
purchased by General Motors and experiencing a change in leadership after the Airmail Act of 1934, the airline
became known as Eastern Air Lines. Eastern Air Line ceased operations on January 18, 1991.
Emery Worldwide: Founded in 1946 as Emery Air Freight. In 1987, CT-based Emery acquired Purolator Courier,
Inc., a leading provider of logistics services between the US and Canada. In 1989, Emery was acquired by
Consolidated Freightways, Inc. which gained US –rights to the Purolator name. In 2011 Purolator was renamed
Purolator International. Emery has its plans grounded in August 13, 2001 due to poor aircraft fleet maintenance.
It officially ceased operating on December 5, 2001.
Emirates: Conceived on March 25, 1985 with the backing of Dubai’s royal family. The airline is a subsidiary of the
The Emerites Group, which is wholly owned by the government of Dubai’s Investment Corporation of Dubai.
Emirates commenced operations on October 25, 1985.
Endeavor Air: Established in February 1985 as Express Airlines I and changed names to Pinnacle Airlines in 2002.
In 2012, Pinnacle’s parent company filed for chapter 11 reorganization, then emerged as a wholly owned
subsidiary of Delta Air Lines. The name was changed to Endeavor Air on August 1, 2013.
Envoy Air (formally American Eagle Airlines): Founded in 1984 as a collection of regional carriers with contracts to
carry the American Eagle brand name. Other carriers that have flown in American Eagle livery include Executive
Airlines, Command Airways, Air Virginia, Simmons Airlines, Chaparral Airlines and Sings West Airlines. In 2014 the
company changed its name to Envoy Air Inc., but American Eagle continues to live on as a brand, as well as livery
for Envoy. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Airlines Group.
Etihad Airways: (Arabic ﺷرﻛ ﺔ اﻻﺗﺣﺎ د ﻟﻠطﯾران sharikat alittiḥād liṭṭayarān) was established as the second flag carrier of
the United Arab Emirates in July 2003 by Royal (Amiri) Decree issued by Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who
wanted an airline for Abu Dhabi. Operations commenced on November 12, 2003.
Evergreen International Airlines: The airline was established by Delford Smith (founder and owner) and began
operations in 1960 as Evergreen Helicopters. It acquired the operating certificate of Johnson Flying Service and
merged it with Intermountain Airlines from Pacific Corporations in 1975 to form Evergreen International Airlines.
The holding company, Evergreen International Aviation, formed in 1979, wholly owns the airline.
El Al Israel Airlines Ltd. (TASE: ELAL),
[]
trading as El Al (Hebrew: אל על , "To the Skies" or "Skywards", Arabic: ﻋﺎل - إل ),
is the flag carrier of Israel.
The airline was incorporated and became Israel's national flag carrier on 15 November
1948. El Al's cargo service was inaugurated in 1950.
ExpressJet Airlines, Inc.: Established in 1986 and started operations in 1987. Its origins were in a group of small
commuter airlines acquired by Texas Air Corporation/Continental Airlines. In August 2010, SkyWest Inc. agreed to
merge with ExpressJet Holdings, whereby SkyWest Inc.’s wholly owned subsidiary, Atlantic Southeast Airlines,
would purchase ExpressJet. Atlantic Southeast Airlines and ExpressJet became the world’s largest regional airline
on November 12, 2010. On November 22, 2011, both ExpressJet and Atlantic Southeast Airlines achieved a single
operating certificate. ExpressJet currently operates as American Eagle, Delta Connection and United Express.
Exxon Mobil: No information found
FAA: The Air Commerce Act of May 20, 1926 is the cornerstone of the federal government’s regulation of civil
aviation. This landmark legislation was passed at the urging of the aviation industry, whose leaders believed the
airplane could not reach its full commercial potential without federal action to improve and maintain safety
standards. The Act charged the Secretary of Commerce with fostering air commerce, issuing and enforcing air
traffic rules, licensing pilots, certifying aircraft, establishing airways, and operating and maintaining aids to air
navigation. The newly created Aeronautics Branch, operating under the Department of Commerce assumed
primary responsibility for aviation oversight.
In fulfilling its civil aviation responsibilities, the Department of Commerce initially concentrated on such functions
as safety regulations and the certification of pilots and aircraft. It took over the building and operation of the
nation's system of lighted airways, a task initiated by the Post Office Department. The Department of Commerce
improved aeronautical radio communications before the founding of the Federal Communications Commission in
1934, which handles most such matters today and introduced radio beacons as an effective aid to air navigation.
In 1938, the Civil Aeronautics Act transferred the federal civil aviation responsibilities from the Commerce
Department to a new independent agency, the Civil Aeronautics Authority. The legislation also expanded the
government's role by giving them the authority and the power to regulate airline fares and to determine the
routes that air carriers would serve.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt split the authority into two agencies in 1940, the Civil Aeronautics Administration
(CAA) and the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB). CAA was responsible for ATC, airman and aircraft certification, safety
enforcement, and airway development. CAB was entrusted with safety regulation, accident investigation, and
economic regulation of the airlines. The CAA was part of the Department of Commerce. The CAB was an
independent federal agency
Federal Express, FedEx: Federal Express Corporation was founded in 1971 and known for its overnight shipping
service, but also for pioneering a system that could track packages and provide real-time updates on package
location. Federal Express was used from 1973 until 2000. FDX Corporation was founded in January 1998 with the
acquisition of Caliber System Inc. by Federal Express. In 2000, FDX Corporation changed its name to FedEx
Corporation and rebranded all of its subsidiaries.
Finnair: Founded on November 1
st
, 1923 as Aero O/Y (Aero Ltd), by Consul Bruno Lucander. The company code,
“AY”, originates from this: AY stands for Aero Yhitio (“yhtio” means “company” in Finnish). In mid-1923, Lucander
concluded an agreement with Junkers Flugzeugwerke AG to provide aircraft and technical support in exchange for
a 50% ownership in the new airline. The charter establishing the company was signed in Helsinki on 12 September
1923, and the company was entered into the trade register on 11 December 1923. The first flight was on 20 March
1924 from Helsinki to Tallinn, Estonia on a Junkers F.13 aircraft equipped with floats.
Flexjet: In 1981, Ricci began his entrepreneurial career by founding Corporate Wings, an aircraft management and
charter operation company providing charter flight service to corporate clients. In 2005, Corporate Wings acquired
a stake in Mercury Air Centers, a company operating aircraft support facilities at airports around the U.S. As chief
executive officer, Ricci eventually sold the company to the Macquarie Infrastructure Trust in 2007. In March 2009,
Directional Aviation Capital, an investment firm led by Ricci, and private equity firm Resilience Capital Partners,
acquired an interest in Flight Options. In September 2013, Ricci announced that Directional Aviation would acquire
Flexjet, a leading provider of fractional, jet card and charter services, from Bombardier Aerospace.
Flying Tiger Lines (also known as Flying Tigers): Founded in 1945. The company was started by Robert William
Prescott. The airline was named after the Flying Tigers fighter unit of World War II, officially the 1st American
Volunteer Group. Ten former AVG pilots formed the Flying Tiger Line (originally called National Skyway Freight)
after returning to the United States in 1945. For the next four years, Flying Tiger Line carried air freight on contract
throughout the U.S. and, as the airline expanded, carrying supplies to U.S. troops under General Douglas
MacArthur during the occupation of Japan. In 1949, the Civil Aeronautics Board awarded Flying Tiger Line the first
commercial air cargo route in the U.S., a transcontinental route from Los Angeles and San Francisco, California to
Boston, Massachusetts. Shortly afterward, the company began chartering passenger aircraft for group travel as
well; its Lockheed Super Constellation, Douglas DC-4 and DC-6 fleet comprised the largest trans-Atlantic charter
operation through the 1950s. In December 1988, Flying Tigers was sold to Federal Express. On August 7, 1989
Flying Tigers ceased operations as it was merged into Federal Express operations. The Flying Tigers name passed
into history.
Frontier Airlines (1950-1986): Frontier Airlines was formed by a merger of Arizona Airways, Challenger Airlines,
and Monarch Airlines (1946-1950) on June 1, 1950. On October 1, 1967 Frontier purchased Central Airlines,
headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas. On January 29, 1973 Frontier Airlines hired its first black pilot, Bob Ashby.
Ashby was the only Tuskegee Airman to become a commercial passenger airline pilot. It also hired the first female
pilot for any modern day U.S. commercial airline the same day, Emily Howell Warner. Both were awarded their
captain's wings several years later. In January 1984, Frontier created a wholly owned “airline within an airline” low
cost subsidiary Frontier Horizon. Its formation was bitterly opposed by Frontier Airlines employees. Frontier
Horizon ceased operations in April 1985 after it was acquired by a new start up air carrier, Skybus Airlines, that
same year. People Express Airlines acquired Frontier on October 5, 1985. People Express continued operating
Frontier as an independent entity. On August 24, 1986, Frontier ceased operations due to continued losses and
four days later filed for bankruptcy.
Frontier Horizon: See Frontier Airlines (1950-1986)
Frontier Airlines (1994-present): Founded February 8, 1994 and commenced operations on July 5, 1994. During a
bankruptcy auction on August 13, 2009, Republic Airways Holdings acquired Frontier Airlines and its regional
airline, Lynx Aviation, as wholly owned subsidiaries. Republic completed the transaction on October 1, 2009 and
Frontier officially exited bankruptcy as a new airline.
GoJet Airlines: Established in late 2004 by Trans States Holdings and commenced operations on October 4, 2005.
It operates commuter feeder services under the United Express and Delta connection names.
Golden Gate Airlines: Founded in 1980 after the merger with Gem State Airlines and Air Pacific in 1979. It merged
again in 1981 with Swift Aire Lines, but discontinued service shortly thereafter (1981).
Gulf Air: Founded on March 24, 1950 (as Gulf Aviation) by Freddie Bosworth. In the late 1940s, Freddie Bosworth,
a British pilot and entrepreneur, began an air taxi service to Doha and Dhahran from Bahrain. Bosworth later
expanded service and on 24 March 1950, registered Gulf Aviation Company Limited as a private shareholding
company. This makes its current operating company, Gulf Air, one of the oldest carriers in the Middle East.
Hands On Paws: No information found
Hapag-Lloyd Flug: Established in July 1972. Since 1997, it has been a subsidiary of TUI AG, which also includes the
Hapag-Lloyd cargo container line and cruise line. In November 2005, the airline changed its name to Hapagfly due
to the new marketing strategy of the TUI Group. In January 2007, it was merged into the new cooperation TUIfly
with Hapag-Lloyd Express.
Hawaiian: Inter-Island Airways, the forerunner of the airline which is now known as Hawaiian Airlines, was
incorporated on January 30, 1929. Inter-Island Airways, a subsidiary of Inter-Island Steam Navigation Company,
began operations on October 6, 1929. On October 1, 1941, the name was changed to Hawaiian Airlines.
Hong Kong Dragon Airlines Ltd: (See Dragonair or Wikipedia more details)
Horizon Air: Formed in May 1981 by Milt Kuolt, and started operations on September 1, 1981. Horizon acquired
Air Oregon on June 17, 1982 and purchased Transwestern Airlines in September 1983. In late 1985, Horizon
entered into an agreement to purchase their chief competitor in Washington, Cascade Airlines, but in early 1986
was released from the agreement. In 1988 Horizon signed a code share agreement with Northwest Airlines.
Horizon Air and its sister carrier Alaska Airlines are subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group. It is also a substantial code
share partner of American Airlines and Delta Air Lines. The Horizon Air brand has since been retired and all
Horizon planes have been repainted with the Alaska Airlines livery.
Iberia (Airline): Iberia is the flag carrier of Spain founded on June 28, 1927. Flight operations started on December
14, 1927. In 1987 Iberia, with Lufthansa, Air France and SAS, founded Amadeus, an IT company (also known as
GDS). The Iberia Group encompasses the Iberia Regional/Air Nostrum franchise. On November 12, 2009, Iberia
Airlines confirmed that it had reached a preliminary agreement to merge with British Airways. On April 10, 2010, it
was confirmed that British Airways and Iberia had agreed to merger, forming the International Airlines Group,
although each airline would continue to operate under its current brand. In 2012 Iberia established its own low-
cost airline Iberia Express. On October 15 2013, Iberia released its new corporate design.
Independence Air: Founded in 1989. Independence Air started life as Atlantic Coast Airlines on December 15,
1989. Atlantic Coast reinvented itself as low-cost carrier Independence Air. It was announced on November 19,
2003 and operations as Independence Air began on June 16, 2004. The airline went into bankruptcy on November
7, 2005 and ceased all operations on January 5, 2006.
Indian (Airline): Indian, formerly Indian Airlines, started operations on August 1, 1953. It was stated-owned and
administered by the Ministry of Civil Aviation. It was one of the two Flag carriers of India, the other being Air India.
In 2007, the Government of India announced that Indian would be merged into Air India. The airlines officially
merged into Air India on February 27, 2011. Indian ceased operating under its own brand and codes with the
merger with Air India being complete on February 26, 2011.
IndiGo Airlines: Founded in 2005 as a private company, by Rahul Bhatia of InterGlobe Enterprises; and Rakesh
Gangwal, a United States-based expatriate Indian. It commenced operations on 4 August 2006.
Interstate Airlines: The airline was founded in 2005 by Nico Hemmer and Roberto Stinga. It started operations in
July 2005 and went bankrupt in 2010.
Iran Aseman Airlines: Established in 1970, the airline's historic links go back to 1958 to the airline Air Taxi Co.,
which was rebranded as Pars Air in the 1970s and later Iran Aseman Airlines. It commenced operations in 1980.
In March 2007, it was owned by Iranian Civil Pension Fund Investment Company. It has since been privatized.
Israir Airlines: Established in 1989 as Kenfei HaEmek (Valley Wing) before changing its name to Israir Airlines in
1996. In May 2015, El Al confirmed to be in talks to merge its subsidiary Sun D’Or into Israir Airlines. While Sun
D’Or would be dissolved, El Al would gain shares in Israir instead.
Japan Airlines Co., Ltd. (JAL) (日本航空株式会社 Nihon Kōkū Kabushiki-gaisha, also known as Nikkō (日航), also
known as Nikkō (日航), is the flag carrier airline of Japan. JAL was established in 1951 and commenced operations
in 1953. After over three decades of service and expansion, the airline was fully privatized in 1987. In 2002, the
airline merged with Japan Air System, Japan's third-largest airline and became the sixth largest airline in the world
by passengers carried. It is headquartered in Shinagawa, Tokyo, Japan; and its main hubs are Tokyo's Narita
International Airport and Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport), as well as Osaka's Kansai International
Airport and Osaka International Airport.
Jazz Aviation: Established in 2001 from the consolidation of the Air Canada connector carriers Air BC, Air Nova,
Air Ontario and Canadian Regional Airlines. In 2006, Air Canada sold off all Air Canada Jazz assets. Air Canada Jazz
was then an independent company known as Jazz Air Income Fund. On November 15, 2010, the airline was
restructured and changed its name to Chorus Aviation. In 2011, it was announced that Air Canada would phased
out the use of the “Air Canada Jazz” name and livery, and instead brand its regional operations as “Air Canada
Express” with the subtitle “operated by Jazz”. The contract between Jazz and Air Canada is currently in effect until
2025.
jetBlue: jetBlue Airways Corporation, stylized as jetBlue was incorporated in Delaware in August 1998. David
Neeleman founded the company in February 1999 under the name “New Air”. It commenced operations on
February 11, 2000.
Kalitta Air: (American cargo airline) In 1967 Conrad “Connie” Kalitta began business carrying car parts using a twin
engine Cessna 310 and it became American International Airways. In 1984, AIA started flying larger aircraft.
During the late 1980s the Kalitta brand name continued to appear on many of the company’s cargo aircraft. In
1997, AIA merged with Kitty Hawk Inc. and Conrad Kalitta resigned to start Kalitta Leasing for buying, selling and
leasing large aircraft. In April 2000, Kitty Hawk International (the former AIA) ceased operations. Kalitta rescued it
and the new airline, Kalitta Air began operations in November 2000.
Kenya Airways Ltd. (More commonly known as Kenya Airways). Founded on January 22, 1977, after the
dissolution of East African Airways. It commenced operations on February 4, 1977. The airline was wholly owned
by the Government of Kenya until April 1995 and it was privatized in 1996.
Kiwi International Air Lines (Kiwi Air): Founded by a group of Eastern Air Lines pilots (year unknown). Operations
commenced on September 21, 1992. It filed for bankruptcy on September 30, 1996 after failing to find additional
financing; the airline stopped scheduled service on October 15, 1996. Kiwi ceased operations on March 24, 1999.
KLM: (legally Koninklijke Luchvaart Maatschappij N.V. Royal Dutch Airlines) In 1919, a young aviator lieutenant
named Albert Plesman sponsored the ELTA aviation exhibition in Amsterdam. On October 7, 1919, eight Dutch
Businessmen, including Frits Fentener van Vlissingen, founded KLM. Plesman became its first administrator and
director.
Korean Air: Was founded by the South Korean government in 1962 as Korean Air Lines to replace Korean National
Airlines, which was founded in 1946. After several years of service and expansion, the airline was fully privatized
in 1969.
LACSA: Avianca Costa Rica, formerly known as LACSA (Spanish: Lineas Aereas Costarricenses S.A.) is the national
airline of Costa Rica. It was established on October 17, 1945 by Pan American World Airways, the Costa Rican
government and Costa Rica private interest. Operations began on June 1, 1946.
Linjeflyg: Formed in 1957 as a Swedish domestic airline by Swedish airlines Scandinavian Airlines System and
Airtaco as well as newspaper publishers Dagens Nyheter AB andStockholms –Tidningen AB. Airtaco (founded in
August 1950 as Aero Scandia) can be considered as Linjeflyg’s predecessor and was merged into the new airline,
including its fleet. Linjeflyg ceased operations in 1993 as it merged into SAS (Scandinavian Airlines System).
LOT Polish Airlines: Established on January 1, 1929 by the Polish government as a state-owned self-governing
corporation by taking over existing domestic lines Aero and Aerolot. LOT started operations on January 2, 1929.
In 1938 LOT changed its name, in accordance with the Polish spelling reform of that year from Polskie Linje
Lotnicze 'LOT' to Polskie Linie Lotnicze 'LOT'. On 10 March 1945 the Polish communist administration recreated
the LOT airline. In 1946, seven years after the service was suspended, the airline restarted its operations.
LTD-USA Airways: No Information found
Lufthansa: In an effort to create a new national airline, a company called Aktiengesellschaft für
Luftverkehrsbedarf (Luftag), was founded in Cologne on January 6, 1953, with many of its staff having worked for
the pre-war Lufthansa. On 6 August 1954, Luftag acquired the name and logo of the liquidated Deutsche Lufthansa
thus continuing the tradition of a German flag carrier of that name. On 1 April 1955 Lufthansa won approval to
start scheduled domestic flights and commenced operations in 1955.
Mega Maldives Airlines: Established on February 23, 2010, Mega serves as the international airline of the
Maldives. The airline commenced operations on December 23, 2010.
Mesa Air Group/Airlines: Began operations as Mesa Air Shuttle in Farmington, New Mexico in 1980 and
commenced operations on October 12, 1980. In 1982 the original owners sold the company to Larry and Janie
Risley who over the next seven years established the airline with a presence in New Mexico. In 1987 a Denver hub
was created when Mesa acquired Centennial Airlines. In 1990, most Denver flights were incorporated into the
United Express division which Mesa had acquired from Aspen Airways. In 1992, when Mesa established a code
share with America West Airlines, its Phoenix hub was turned over to the America West Express division. For a
brief time in 1995 and 1996, the Mesa Airlines operation at Albuquerque, the United Express operation in Denver,
and the America West Express operation in Phoenix were all known as operated by Mountain West Airlines. On
September 16, 2005, America West Airlines and US Airways completed their merger. In 2005, Mesa's code share
agreement with US Airways was not reaffirmed in bankruptcy court, and Mesa began transitioning the aircraft to
other code shares. (See Wikipedia for more details & history)
Mexicana Airlines: Founded in 1921 as Compañía Mexicana de Aviación, S.A. de C.V. (commonly known as
Mexicana) In 1995, Mexicana was merged with AeroMéxico as a part of CINTRA (the two airlines kept operating
under their respective brand names). In 1996, the assorted color scheme was dropped in favor of green tails with
white on the majority of the plane and the word "Mexicana" in black letters. 2005 was an important year as the
airline was sold and several low cost carriers were established in Mexico. Mexicana rebranded its regional
subsidiary, Aerocaribe, as "Click Mexicana" and promotes it as a low cost carrier. The color scheme was changed
again to a dark blue tail and blue lettering on a white background. Mexicana ceased operations (suspended
indefinitely) in 2010.
Miami Air International: Established in August 1990 and started operations in October 1991. Miami Air
International is an American charter airline. It operates worldwide passenger charter flights for diverse groups
including cruise operators, professional sports teams and the United States military.
Midway Airlines (1976-1991): Founded on August 6, 1976, by investor Kenneth T. Carlson and joined by Irving T.
Tague and William B. Owens in an October 13, 1976 filing at the CAB for an Airline operating certificate. Although it
received its operating certificate from the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) prior to the passage of the Airline
Deregulation Act in 1978, it is widely recognized as the first post-deregulation start-up. The airline commenced
operations in 1979. Citing the high price of jet fuel during the Gulf War and a drop in passengers in the recession
that followed, the airline filed Chapter 11 in March 1991. In reorganization, Midway attempted to sell itself to
Northwest Airlines. When Northwest pulled out of negotiations on November 12, 1991, Midway ceased operations
the next day (November 1991) and its bankruptcy was re-filed as liquidation under Chapter 7 bankruptcy laws.
Midway Airlines (1993-2003): Founded in November 15, 1993. The airline was based in Morrisville, North
Carolina, USA, between Raleigh and Durham. The high-tech slump of 2000-01 hurt Midway, and the carrier
abruptly filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on the evening of August 13, 2001. Midway continued to fly during
reorganization, but after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, Midway never restarted operations when
airspace was shut down, and ceased operations on September 12, 2001. (The last flights were on the morning of
September 11). Following $12.5M in financial infusion from the US federal government, Midway resumed service.
On July 17, 2002, Midway once again abruptly discontinued service. They remained closed until February 2003. At
that time, they commenced operations as US Airways Express, with limited service offered from hubs in both RDU
and Washington Reagan International Airport (DCA). They finally ceased operations on October 30, 2003, through
a Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
Midwest Airlines (formerly Midwest Express): Founded in 1984, it was a U.S.-based airline and, for a short time,
and operating brand of Republic Airways Holdings based in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, operating from Milwaukee's
General Mitchell International Airport. Effective November 3, 2009, Midwest Airlines ceased to exist as an actual
operating airline (allowing its DOT air carrier operator certificate to lapse). On April 13, 2010, parent company
Republic announced that Midwest Airlines and Frontier Airlines would merge, with the Midwest brand
disappearing in late 2011.
Nationair (Canada): Founded in 1986, the company was owned by Robert Obadia. The company was declared
bankrupt in May 1993, owing CDN$75 million. In 1997 Robert Obadia pleaded guilty to eight counts of fraud in
relation to the company's activities. Ceased operations in 1993.
National Airlines: Founded by George T. Baker in 1934. The name National Airlines has been used by several
United States airlines including:
• National Airlines (1934–1980) (IATA: NA, ICAO: NA, Call sign: National)
• National Airlines (1983) (ICAO: OV (NAN), Call sign: Nation Air)
• National Airlines (1999–2002) (IATA: N7, ICAO: ROK, Call sign: Red Rock)
• National Airlines (N8) (IATA: N8, ICAO: NCR, Call sign: National Cargo) 2008–present
• On January 7, 1980, the acquisition was completed, with Pan Am taking over the National Airlines fleet
and route network. National Airlines ceased operations January 1980. (Limited information found)
Nepal Airlines Corporation: Is the flag carrier airline of Nepal. The airline was established in July 1958 as Royal
Nepal Airlines Corporation (RNAC) to be Nepal's first airline. Its head office is in the Nepal Airlines Corporation
(NAC) Building in Kathmandu, and its main base is Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu.
NetJets: Formerly Executive Jet Airways, was founded in 1964 as the first private business jet charter and aircraft
management company in the world. The founding members of the board of directors included Air Force generals
Curtis E. LeMay and Paul Tibbetts Jr., Washington lawyer and former military pilot Bruce Sundlun, and entertainers
James Stewart and Arthur Godfrey, with retired Air Force Brigadier General Olbert F. ("Dick") Lassiter serving as
president and chairman of the board. In 1984, Executive Jet Aviation was purchased by mathematician and former
Goldman Sachs executive Richard Santulli who owned a business that leased helicopters to service providers of
offshore oil operations. In 1987, the NetJets program was officially announced becoming the first fractional
aircraft ownership format in history. One of the first quarter-share Owners of the Hawker 1000 was legendary
Berkshire Hathaway CEO, Warren Buffett, in 1995. He quickly determined the fractional ownership concept was
the future of private aviation and in 1998; Berkshire Hathaway acquired EJA and NetJets Inc.
Nigerian Airways (Nigeria Airways Ltd.): Founded in August 23, 1958 and commenced operations on October 1
1958; after the dissolution of West African Airways Corporation. It was wholly owned by the Government of
Nigeria, and served as the country's flag carrier until it ceased operations in 2003.
Northwest Airlines: Founded on September 1, 1926, by Colonel Lewis Brittin, under the name Northwest Airways.
In 1931 Northwest sponsored Charles and Anne Lindbergh on a pioneering test flight to Japan via Alaska, scouting
what would become known as the Northwest Airlines' Great Circle route that could save as many as 2,000 miles
(3,000 km) on a New York City to Tokyo flight. Northwest developed this route further during World War II, when it
flew soldiers and supplies from the Northwestern United States to Alaska. During that time Northwest began
painting its airliners' tails bright red as a visual aid in the often harsh weather conditions. The airline's experience
with the sub-arctic climate led the U.S. federal government to designate Northwest as the main airline over the
North Pacific following the war. In spring of 1947 Northwest began stationing employees at Haneda Airport in
Tokyo, flying them from the United States via Alaska on its Great Circle route. On July 15, 1947 Northwest became
the first airline to begin direct service between the United States and Japan. With its new system of transpacific
flights established, Northwest began to advertise itself as Northwest Orient Airlines, although its registered
corporate name remained "Northwest Airlines." In 1951 Northwest became involved with the founding of Japan
Air Lines (JAL) by leasing airliners and crewmembers to the new airline. In 1952 United States and Japan ratified a
regional bilateral aviation treaty, under which Northwest and Pan American World Airways became the two U.S.
airlines allowed to fly to Tokyo. Northwest's meteorologists, led by Dan Sowa, pioneered the first clear-air
turbulence forecasting system in 1957, important since the airline flew many northern routes over turbulence-
prone mountain areas. Northwest remained a leader in turbulence prediction, providing TPAWS (turbulence
prediction and warning services) to other airlines. On October 1, 1986, Northwest merged with Republic Airlines.
On April 14, 2008, Northwest Airlines announced that it would be merging with Delta Air Lines to form the world's
largest airline (in that time period). The merger was approved on October 29, 2008. The combined airline uses the
Delta name and branding. NWA ceased operations on January 31, 2010.
Norwegian Air Shuttle: founded on 22 January 1993 to take over the regional airline services produced by Busy
Bee for Braathens in Western Norway and started operating from Bergen Airport.
Olympic Airlines (Olympic Air S.A.): Formed in 2009 from the privatization of the former Greek national carrier
Olympic Airlines, (a subsidiary of the Greek airline carrier Aegean Airlines) a company that carried the name
Olympic Airways from 1957 to the beginning of the 21st century. Olympic Air commenced limited operations on
September 29, 2009. On 22 February 2010, Olympic Air and its main competitor Aegean Airlines announced they
had reached an agreement to merge their operations, phasing out the Aegean brand.
Orion Airways (known simply as 'Orion'): Was created in 1978 as a charter airline of Horizon's package holiday
business and went on to successfully develop scheduled services. The airline was based in the United Kingdom
with its head office on the grounds of East Midlands Airport in Castle Donington, North West Leicestershire. In
1987, the Horizon group, including Orion was bought by Bass the large brewing and hotels group. In 1988, Bass
accepted an offer from the ever-expanding Thomson Travel Group. Orion was to be integrated into Britannia
during 1989. The last flight took place on 26 January 1989.
Pace Airline: Established in January 1996 and named Pace Airlines after Piedmont Aviation Services, Inc..
Piedmont Aviation Services merged with Hawthorne Aviation in July 1998 and became Piedmont Hawthorne
Aviation. Pace Airlines, Inc. was sold to Pace Airlines, LLC & Pace Airlines II, LLC in December 2002, which became
the parent company of Pace Airlines, Inc.
Pan Am (Pan American World Airways): Founded in 1927 as a scheduled airmail and passenger service. The airline
was known from its founding until 1950 as Pan American Airways and commonly known as Pan Am. Pan American
Airways, Incorporated (PAA) was founded as a shell company on March 14, 1927 by Air Corps Majors Henry H.
"Hap" Arnold, Carl A. Spaatz, and John H. Jouett as a counterbalance to the German-owned Colombian carrier
SCADTA, operating in Colombia since 1920. SCADTA lobbied hard for landing rights in the Panama Canal Zone,
ostensibly to survey air routes for a connection to the United States, which the Air Corps viewed as a precursor to a
possible German aerial threat to the canalIt was the principal and largest international air carrier in the United
States from 1927 until its collapse on December 4, 1991.
Pan Am Express: It was set up in 1980 and commenced operations in 1981. Pan Am Express was a brand name for
a code sharing passenger feed service operated by other airlines on behalf of Pan American World Airways (Pan
Am). In 1987, Pan American World Airways acquired National Airlines, thus obtaining a domestic route network in
the U.S. for the first time in its history. In order to provide connecting passenger service to smaller destinations,
the creation of a feeder network soon became necessary. Pan Am Express ceased operations 1991 with the
demise of Pan Am.
People Express (1980s): Founded in April 30, 1981 by Don Burr, and several others, who resigned from Frank
Lorenzo's Texas International in order to do so. In 1985 People Express bought out Denver-based Frontier Airlines.
In 1987, People Express was forced to sell entirely to Texas Air Corporation. Texas Air first purchased the assets of
Frontier from People Express, and then merged Frontier into Continental Airlines, another Texas Air subsidiary.
People Express ceased operations on February 1, 1987, when its operations were subsequently merged as well into
Continental Airlines via a joint marketing agreement.
Peoples Express (2010, stylized as PEOPLExpress): Founded in February 13, 2012. The air carrier took its name
from the original People Express Airlines (1980s). It commenced operations on June 30, 2014. On September 26,
2014, the airline announced what it expected to be a temporary suspension of all service until October 16, 2014.
The airline subsequently announced that it would not resume operations on October 16, 2014, and on November
12, 2014, PEOPLExpress was evicted from the Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport. The airline
abruptly ceased operations on September 26, 2014.
Philippine Airlines: Founded November 14, 1935 (as Philippine Aerial Taxi Company). The Philippine Congress
approved the franchise of Philippine Aerial Taxi Company Incorporated (PATCO) to provide mail, cargo and
passenger service. On February 26, 1941 Philippine Aerial Taxi Company Incorporated was acquired by a group of
businessmen led by Andrés Soriano, Sr., and became Philippine Airlines. Philippine Airlines commenced operations
in March 1941.
Piedmont Airlines (1940): The Company that would become Piedmont Airlines began by Thomas Henry Davis,
(1918-April 22, 1999) in Winston-Salem, North Carolina in 1940, when Davis purchased Camel City Flying Service
and changed the name to Piedmont Aviation. Since June 1, 1974, Piedmont Airlines has actively hired women
pilots. The first two female jet aircraft captains were Piedmont Pilots Cheryl Peters and Denise Blankinship.
Piedmont was one of the first airlines to schedule an “All Female Flight Crew” on July 10, 1982, Flight #328 from
Norfolk, VA to Newark, NJ.
Piedmont Airlines: The airline was founded in 1961 by Richard A. Henson as Henson Aviation, a fixed-base
operator in Hagerstown, Maryland. The airline commenced operations in 1962 under the Hagerstown Commuter
name, then later changed to Henson Airlines. Piedmont Allegheny Airlines (which became US Airways, which in
turn has now merged with American Airlines) and Henson began one of the world's first code sharing
arrangements in 1967. Henson re-branded itself as an Allegheny Commuter. In 1983, Piedmont Aviation bought
Henson and re-branded the airline as “Henson, The Piedmont Regional Airline.” Both were purchased by the USAir
Group in 1987 with Piedmont absorbed two years later and Henson's aircraft repainted in USAir Express livery.
The Piedmont name was resurrected in 1993, when USAir (now American Airlines) renamed Henson to "Piedmont
Airlines”. In 1997, USAir was renamed US Airways, and Piedmont was likewise re-branded as a US Airways Express
carrier. US Airways merged Allegheny Airlines into Piedmont in 2004.
Pinnacle Airlines: Founded in 1985, Pinnacle Airlines Corporation was an American holding company
headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee, and was the parent company of Pinnacle Airlines and Colgan Air until
Colgan was closed down in 2012. The company filed for bankruptcy protection under Chapter 11 in 2012 and
emerged from Chapter 11 in 2013 as a wholly owned subsidiary of Delta Air Lines. The company's only surviving
airline, Pinnacle, became Endeavor Air. Pinnacle Airlines ceased operations (defunct 2013).
Porter Airlines: The company was founded in 1999. Porter Airlines along with Porter FBO Limited, which operates
the Porter facilities at Billy Bishop, and City Centre Terminal Corp., are owned by Porter Aviation Holdings (PAHL),
formerly known as REGCO Holdings Inc. Porter's operation at the Toronto airport commenced on October 23,
2006. Porter operates regularly scheduled flights between Toronto and locations in Canada and the United States.
Presidential Airlines: Founded in 1985 by Harold J. (Hap) Pareti. Call sign: Washington Eagle). It was unable to
sustain its expansion, however, and became a regional feeder for Continental Airlines in 1987 and then United
Airlines in 1988. Presidential filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on October 26, 1989. It ended operations on
December 5, 1989 and its assets subsequently liquidated.
Private Jet: Pursuing more information.
PSA Airlines: Vee Neal Airlines was established in 1979 and began initial operations from Latrobe, Pennsylvania.
In December 1983, the airline was renamed to Jetstream International Airlines (JIA). In September 1985, the
airline affiliated itself with Piedmont Airlines. Following the USAir acquisition of Piedmont in November 1987, JIA
began operating as Allegheny Commuter. In November 1995, USAir renamed Jetstream International Airlines to
PSA Airlines in order to protect the trademark of Pacific Southwest Airlines, which was once a large carrier on the
West Coast that USAir had acquired. PSA commenced operations in 1995.
Qantas Airways: Qantas was founded on 16 November 1920 in Winton, Queensland as Queensland and Northern
Territory Aerial Services Limited and commenced operations on March 1921. In 1934, QANTAS and Britain's
Imperial Airways (a forerunner of British Airways) formed a new company, Qantas Empire Airways Limited (QEA).
The new airline commenced operations in December 1934. On 14 September 1992, Qantas merged with
nationally owned domestic airline, Australian Airlines (renamed from Trans Australia Airlines in 1986). The airline
started to be rebranded to Qantas in the following year. Qantas was gradually privatized between 1993–1997.
Qator Airways: Established on November 22, 1993; operations started on January 20, 1994. Qatar Airways
Company Q.C.S.C. (Arabic: اﻟﻘﻄﺮﯾﺔ , Al Qatariyah), operating as Qatar Airways, is the state-owned flag carrier of
Qatar. Headquartered in the Qatar Airways Tower in Doha.
Qualcomm: No information found
Ravn Airways: (formally ERA Alaska) Commenced operations in 1948 as Economy Helicopters. Era Alaska was
formed when three airlines, Frontier Flying Service, Era Aviation, and Hageland Aviation began operating under the
former Frontier Alaska / Era Alaska brand names. In 2014, the partnership was re-branded as Ravn Alaska, with
the brand Ravn Alaska operated by Era Aviation which was renamed Corvus Airlines and the brand Ravn Connect
operated by Hageland Aviation (scheduled passenger flights) and Frontier Flying Service (cargo and on-demand
charters).
Reno Air: Founded in June 1990 by Frontier Airlines alumnus Joseph Lorenzo and Midway Airlines executive Jeff
Erickson. The airline's first flight was on July 1, 1992. In February 1999, Reno Air was purchased by American
Airlines, and flew its last flight and ceased operations on August 30 of that year. By the end of 2001 (especially
after 9/11) the original Reno Air route system structure had ceased to exist with American Airlines downgrading
Reno to a spoke city rather than a connecting hub.
Republic Airlines/Airways (2) Hughes: Republic Airlines commenced operations in 1979 with the merger of North
Central Airlines and Southern Airways, the first under airline deregulation. Republic bought out Hughes Airwest in
1980. In 1986 Northwest Orient Airlines announced on January 23 that they would buy Republic for $884 million.
Republic Airlines ceased operations on September 30, 1986. Northwest later merged with Delta Air Lines in 2008;
the deal was finalized in January 2010, with Delta as the surviving air carrier.
Republic Airways Holdings: The company traces its roots to Chautauqua Airlines, founded in 1973 in Jamestown,
New York, by Joel and Gloria Hall. Chautauqua was one of the first airlines to fly under code shares, initially with
Allegheny Airlines which later became US Airways.
Sabena: Sabena began operations on 23 May 1923 as the national carrier of Belgium. Sabena ceased operations
on November 7, 2001. After its bankruptcy in 2001, the newly formed SN Brussels Airlines took over part of
Sabena's assets in February 2002, which became Brussels Airlines after a merger with Virgin Express in March
2007.
SAS, Scandinavian Airlines: The airline was founded on 1 August 1946, when Svensk Interkontinental Lufttrafik AB
(an airline owned by the Swedish Wallenberg family), Det Danske Luftfartselskab A/S and Det Norske
Luftfartselskap AS (the flag carriers of Denmark and Norway) formed a partnership to handle the intercontinental
air traffic of these three Scandinavian countries. Operations started on 17 September 1946.
Seaboard World Airlines: Founded on September 16, 1946. It initially operated Douglas DC-4 aircraft, followed by
Lockheed Super Constellation airliners. It adopted the name Seaboard World Airlines in April 1961. Jet cargo
service started in 1964 with the introduction of the Douglas DC-8. The airline played a prominent role in the
Vietnam War during the late 1960s, using Douglas DC-8-63 jets to connect McCord Air Force Base, Washington
with Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam. Seaboard was the first airline to fly a 747 Freighter service from the UK to the USA.
The airline merged with Flying Tiger Line on October 1, 1980, resulting in the loss of its corporate identity. It is now
part of FedEx Airlines. Ceased operations October 1, 1980.
Sky Regional: Founded in 2010. It began operation under the Air Canada Express brand on May 1, 2011. Sky
Regional was the first airline in Canada to adopt the Electronic Flight Bag (EFB). Each pilot at the company is issued
an Apple iPad which is the platform for the EFB allowing crews to not only have quick access to flight plans and
manuals but eliminate paper charts and numerous large manuals which previously would have been present on
the flight deck.
Songbird Airways/Sky King: Songbird Airways (formerly Sky King) is a charter airline based in Miami, Florida. Sky
King was founded in July 1990 to fly for the NBA's Sacramento Kings. The airline filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy
protection on March 9, 2010, after it was unable to meet the payment demands of one of its largest creditors, fuel
supplier Mercury Air Group. It filed for bankruptcy again in 2012. Sky King emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy
on October 3, 2014. Sky King was acquired by AerLine Holdings LLC on October 24, 2014.
]
Service was resumed on
December 22, 2014. On August 30, 2017, Songbird entered into an agreement with USGlobal Airways for purchase
of Songbird's stock for $6.5 million with a closing date of October 15, 2017.
Shuttle America: Shuttle America was established in 1995 by former CEO David Hackett, and began operations on
November 12, 1998. In 2001, Shuttle America was purchased by Wexford Holdings LLC., who at the time also
owned Chautauqua Airlines. Shuttle America then started flying as US Airways Express in a codeshare agreement.
In October 2008, a short-lived operating partnership was established with Mokulele Airlines to feed their hub in
Honolulu with three aircraft. These Embraer 170 aircraft operated in the livery of Mokulele Airlines until October
2009, when Republic entered into a new joint venture agreement with Mesa Air Group, with the latter airline's
Canadair Regional Jet aircraft operating jet flights within Hawaii.
Sky King: No information found.
SkyWest Airline: Ralph Atkin (born Jeffery Ralph Atkin in 1943) is the founder of SkyWest Airlines in the United
States. He founded SkyWest Airlines in 1972 and served first as CEO, then as Chairman of the Board for 20 years.
The airline serves as a feeder airline, operating under contract with various major carriers. It flies as SkyWest
Airlines in a partnership with Alaska Airlines, as United Express on behalf of United Airlines, as American Eagle on
behalf of American Airlines, and as Delta Connection on behalf of Delta Air Lines.
Southern Air Transport: Founded in 1947 in Miami as a charter airline flying cargo to The Bahamas. Ceased
operations on 1998. On March 10, 1999, the assets of Southern Air Transport were purchased by Southern Air,
and the new carrier began operations in November, 1999.
Southern Air: The airline was established on 5 March 1999 by James Neff, out of the assets of Southern Air
Transport and started operations in November 1999.
Southwest Airlines: In 1966 Southwest Airlines was founded by Rollin King and Herbert Kelleher; and in 1967 it
was incorporated as Air Southwest Company. Operations commenced in June 18, 1971 and adopted its current
name (Southwest Airlines) in 1971.
Spirit Airlines: The airline service was founded in 1980 in Macomb County, Michigan, by Ned Homfeld as Charter
One, a Detroit-based charter tour operator. On May 29, 1992, Charter One brought jet equipment into the fleet
and changed its name to Spirit Airlines.
Sunstate Airlines (subsidiary of Qantas): (limited information)
Swissair: It was formed from a merger between Balair and Ad Astra Aero (To the Stars), in 1931. For most of its 71
years, Swissair was one of the major international airlines and known as the "Flying Bank" due to the financial
stability of the airline, causing it to be regarded as a Swiss national symbol and icon. The airline thrived into the
1980s. In 1997 the Swissair Group was renamed SAirGroup (although it was again renamed Swissair Group in
2001). Swissair ceased operations on March 31, 2002. On 1 April 2002 successor airline Swiss International Air
Lines was founded on the base of former Crossair.
Swiss International Airlines: The airline was formed after the 2001/2002 bankruptcy of Swissair, Switzerland's
former flag carrier. The new national airline started its operations officially on 31 March 2002.
TAME Linea Aerea del Ecuador Airline: The military airline was founded on December 17, 1962, by Luis A. Ortega
under Guillermo Freile Posso, both colonels. TAME (pronounced "tah-may") is the flag carrier and the largest
airline of Ecuador. TAME headquarters are in Quito, Pichincha Province and the main hub is Mariscal Sucre
International Airport in Quito. The airline was formed by the Air Force of Ecuador. In 2011, it became a
commercial entity and now provides domestic, international and charter flights.
Texas International: Formed in 1944 and was known from 1944 until 1947 as Aviation Enterprises, until 1969 as
Trans-Texas Airways (TTa), and as Texas International Airlines until 1982. Texas International was acquired in 1972
by Jet Capital Corporation headed by 32-year-old Frank Lorenzo. On June 11, 1980 Lorenzo established a holding
company, Texas Air Corporation, for Texas International.
Texas Air then acquired Continental Airlines in 1982 and
merged Continental and Texas International with TI assuming the former's name. Texas International ceased
operations were seen in 1982.
Tiger Airways/Australia: It commenced services in the Australian domestic airline market on 23 November 2007
as Tiger Airways Australia. On 17 October 2014, Virgin Australia Holdings announced plans to acquire the 40%
stake held by Tiger Airways Holdings for $1. Virgin would retain the Tigerair name and acquire the brand rights for
Tigerair to operate to some international destinations from Australia.
Transavia: Founded 1965 as Transavia Airlines C.V. and formerly branded as transavia.com, is a Dutch low-cost
airline and a wholly owned subsidiary of KLM. Commenced operations on 17 November 1966.
Trans Star: The Company began operations as Resort Air in 1982. In 1985, the company entered into an
agreement with Trans World Airlines (TWA) to operate as Trans World Express. Resort Air changed its name to
Trans States Airlines in 1989. By 1999, Trans States had begun operations as a Delta Connection code share air
carrier for Delta Air Lines.
Trans States Airlines: The company began operations as Resort Air in 1982. In 1985, the company entered into an
agreement with Trans World Airlines (TWA) to operate as Trans World Express. Resort Air changed its name to
Trans States Airlines in 1989. That same year, TSA began operations on the west coast as USAir Express. On the
east coast, in 1995 TSA began operations as a code share feeder airline into New York City JFK Airport as United
Express. By 1999, Trans States had begun operations as a Delta Connection code share air carrier for Delta Air
Lines.
Trans World Airlines: Founded as Western Air Express in 1924 and commenced operations in 1926. TWA's
corporate history dates from the July 16, 1930; forced merger of Transcontinental Air Transport (T-A-T) and
Western Air Express to form Transcontinental & Western Air (T&WA). The companies merged at the urging of
Postmaster General Walter Folger Brown, who was looking for bigger airlines to give airmail contracts. Both
airlines brought high-profile aviation pioneers who would give the airline the panache of being called "The Airline
Run by Flyers." The airlines were known for several years as being on the cutting edge of aviation. Howard Hughes
acquired control of TWA in 1939 and after World War II led the expansion of the airline to serve Europe, the
Middle East, and Asia, making TWA a second unofficial flag carrier of the United States after Pan Am. Hughes gave
up control in the 1960 and the new management of TWA acquired Hilton International and Century 21 in an
attempt to diversify the company's business. As the Airline Deregulation Act of 1978 led to a wave of airline
failures, start-ups, and takeovers in the United States, TWA was spun off from its holding company in 1984. Carl
Icahn acquired control of TWA and took the company private in a leveraged buyout in 1988. In 2001, TWA filed for
a third and final bankruptcy and was acquired by American Airlines. American laid off many former TWA
employees in the wake of the September 11, 2001 attacks and closed its St. Louis hub in 2003. TWA ceased
operations on December 1, 2001 merging into American Airlines.
Turkish: Turkish Airlines (Turkish: Türk Hava Yolları) (BİST: THYAO) is the national flag carrier airline of Turkey.
Turkish Airlines was established on 20 May 1933 as State Airlines Administration (Turkish: Devlet Hava Yolları) as a
department of the Ministry of National Defence. In 1935, the airline was turned over to the Ministry of Public
Works and was subsequently renamed General Directorate of State Airlines. Three years later, in 1938, it became
part of the Ministry of Transportation. In 1956, the Turkish government reorganized the airline under the name
Türk Hava Yollari A.O. (often abbreviated as THY). In April 2010, TURKISH replaced TURKAIR as the new call sign
for Turkish Airlines.
Ukraine National Airlines: Ukraine International Airlines (UIA), PJSC (Ukrainian: Авіакомпанія Міжнародні
Авіалінії України, Aviakompaniya Mizhnarodni Avialiniyi Ukrayiny, [ˌɑwijɑkɔmˈpɑnʲijɑ miʒnɑˈrɔdnʲi ˌɑwijɑˈlʲinʲiji
ukrɑˈjɪnɪ]) is the flag carrier and the largest airline of Ukraine. The company was established on 1 October 1992
and started operations on 25 November 1992 with a Kiev-London flight. It was one of the first "joint ventures with
foreign capital" in Ukraine and the first airline in the former Soviet Union to use new Boeing 737-400 aircraft. The
airline began cargo operations with a Boeing 737-200 aircraft on 13 November 1994.
UPS: The origin of transporting packages by air for UPS (then United Parcel Service) dates to 1929; much like the
US Postal Service, UPS packages were transported as baggage on commercial airline flights. After Black Tuesday
and the beginning of the Great Depression, the air service would be discontinued by the end of 1931. After World
War II, UPS (in the process of acquiring common carrier rights for every address in the United States) revisited the
idea of shipping packages by air. Starting in 1953, 2-day delivery was offered on coast-to-coast packages; the
service was called Blue Label Air. In 1988, UPS Airlines was founded.
US Airways/USAir: US Airways traces its history to All American Aviation Inc., a company founded in 1937 by du
Pont family brothers Richard C. du Pont, Alexis Felix du Pont, Jr. and CEO Steven Gardner. Commenced operations
in 1939. In 1949 the company was renamed All American Airways as it switched from airmail to passenger service;
and later it became Allegheny Airlines in 1953. Allegheny absorbed Lake Central Airlines in 1968 and Mohawk
Airlines in 1972. Allegheny's agreement with Henson Airlines, the forerunner to today's US Airways Express carrier
Piedmont Airlines, to operate "Allegheny Commuter" flights which became the industry's first code-share
agreement, a type of service now offered throughout the industry. Allegheny changed its name to USAir in 1979.
USAir expanded in the late 1980s, purchasing Pacific Southwest Airlines (PSA) in 1986 and Piedmont Airlines in
1987. The PSA and Piedmont acquisitions were completed in 1988 and 1989, respectively. In early 1997, USAir
changed its name to US Airways and introduced a new corporate identity. The airline merged in 2005 with
America West Airlines. After the merger, the new airline retained the US Airways name, since studies indicated
that "US Airways" had better brand recognition worldwide than did "America West." On February 14, 2013, US
Airways Group and AMR Corporation announced that the two companies would merge to form the largest airline
in the world. On April 8, 2015, American Airlines flights operated by US Airways retired the Cactus call sign used by
US Airways since the America West merger. On July 13, 2015, American announced that it planned to discontinue
the US Airways brand name on October 17, 2015 and US Airways ceased. (for more details, see Wikipedia)
Uni Airlines: The establishment was started with the approval of CAAC in 2007 and the maiden flight was
launched successfully in 2011. Uni-Top were due to fly from May 2009 with services to Shenzhen, Dubai, Bishkek,
Almaty and Chennai but was postponed, air freight operations finally began in April 2011. Is a cargo airline and air
freight operations finally began in April 2011. The airline is based in Wuhan, capital of Hubei province, China. It’s a
fully owned subsidiary of Uni-top Industrial Corporation from Shenzen.
United/Continental Airlines: United was founded on April 6, 1926 and commenced on March 28, 1931 as Varney
Air Lines and was later known as United Air Lines (UAL). United Airlines traces its roots to the Varney Air Lines air
mail service of Walter Varney, who also founded Varney Speed Lines from which Continental Airlines had
originated. In 1954, United Airlines became the first airline to purchase modern flight simulators which had visual,
sound, and motion cues for training pilots. Purchased for US$3 million (1954) from Curtiss-Wright, these were the
first of today's modern flight simulators for training of commercial passenger aircraft pilots. United merged with
Capital Airlines in 1961 and regained its position as the United States' largest airline. In 1968, the company
reorganized, creating UAL Corporation, with United Airlines as a wholly owned subsidiary. In 1994, United's pilots,
machinists, bag handlers and non-contract employees agreed to an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP),
acquiring 55% of company stock in exchange for 15-25% salary concessions, making the carrier the largest
employee-owned corporation in the world. During the September 11, 2001, attacks, two of the four airliners
hijacked and crashed by al-Qaeda members were United Airlines aircraft (United Airlines Flight 175 was flown into
the south World Trade Center tower; United Airlines Flight 93 was crashed in a field in Pennsylvania after the
passengers fought back against the hijackers). An airline industry downturn resulted, and coupled with economic
difficulties, skyrocketing oil prices, and higher labor costs, the company lost US$2.14 billion in 2001. After
attempts to secure additional capital failed, UAL Corporation filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in
December 2002 and the ESOP was terminated. In 2005, United announced it had raised US$3 billion in financing
to exit bankruptcy and filed its Plan of Reorganization, as announced, on September 7, 2005, United Airlines
emerged from bankruptcy on February 1, 2006. In late 2006, Continental Airlines participated in preliminary
merger discussions with United.
On April 16, 2010, United resumed merger talks with Continental Airlines. (The
two airlines had previously discussed merging in 2008.) The board of directors of both Continental and UAL
Corporation's United Airlines reached an agreement to combine operations on May 2, 2010. While United would
be the surviving airline, the merged airline would adopt Continental's logo and livery. The airline began operating
under a single operating certificate from the FAA on November 30, 2011 in the process retaining Continental's air
operator's certificate, and surrendering the one of the original United. On March 3, 2012, United and Continental
merged their passenger service systems, frequent-flier programs, and websites, virtually eliminating the
Continental brand in the eye of the consumer with the exception of the logo.
United International Airlines: Founded 2007, United International Airlines previously operated under the name
Air Sofia based in Sofia, Bulgaria. On March 5, 2007, after Bulgaria joined the EU, the airline lost its license from
the Bulgarian government, along with 4 other airlines. The airline relocated to Serbia. However, the airline ceased
operations in 2008.
USA 3000: USA 3000 Airlines began operations with one Airbus A320. The inaugural flight took off on December
28, 2001. By early 2002, USA 3000 Airlines exclusively operated charter flights, from Philadelphia, Newark,
Hartford and Columbus, with two aircraft. In early 2008, it was announced that USA 3000 Airlines would be pulling
out of Newark Liberty Airport due to increased competition from discount carriers. USA 3000 ended all of its
services from Detroit and Milwaukee in April 2009, citing poor demand and the economic downturn. In November
2011, Apple Vacations decided to dissolve USA 3000 Airlines. (See Wikipedia for more detailed information)
ValuJet Airlines: Founded 1992 headquartered in Clayton County, GA. Ceased operations in November 1997 as
the company merged with the much smaller regional airline Airways Corp, holding company for AirTran Airways.
Although ValueJet was the nominal survivor, the merged airline operated as AirTran until its merger with
Southwest Airlines in 2011.
Virgin America: In early 2004, Virgin Group announced its intention to found a United States-based, low-fare
airline called "Virgin USA." At the time, Virgin USA expected flights to begin by mid-2005; however began
operations in 2007. The airline changed its name from "Virgin USA" to "Virgin America" due to the difficulty in
finding U.S. investors. In late 2015, a number of airlines were interested in a takeover of Virgin America. The
airline made its final flight under the call sign "redwood" on January 11, 2018 signifying a large step towards the
finalization of its merger with Alaska Airlines. Alaska Air Group has integrated Virgin America into Alaska Airlines,
under a single operating certificate issued on January 11, 2018. Virgin America is scheduled to cease operations on
April 25, 2018, when all of the airline’s flights will become Alaska Airlines flights.
Western Airlines: In 1925, the United States Postal Service began to give airlines contracts to carry air mail
throughout the country. Western Airlines first incorporated in 1925 as Western Air Express by Harris Hanshue and
commenced operation on April 17, 1926. In 1941 Western Air Express changed its name to Western Air Lines
(WAL) and later to Western Airlines. The carrier also billed itself as Western Airlines International at one point. On
September 9, 1986 Western Airlines and Delta Air Lines entered into an agreement and plan of merger. On
December 16, 1986, shareholder approval of the merger was conferred and Western Airlines became a wholly
owned subsidiary of Delta. The Western brand was discontinued and the employee workforces were fully merged
on April 1, 1987.
WestJet Airlines LTD: Is a Canadian low-cost airline founded on February 29, 1996 by Clive Beddoe, David
Neeleman, Mark Hill, Tim Morgan and Donald Bell. WestJet was based on the low-cost carrier business model
pioneered by Southwest Airlines and Morris Air in the United States. Its original routes were all located in Western
Canada, which gave the airline its name. WestJet is currently the second-largest Canadian air carrier, behind Air
Canada.
World Airways, Inc.: Founded in 1948 by Benjamin Pepper with the introduction of ex-Pan American World
Airways Boeing 314 flying boats. However, Edward Daly is thought of as World's founder. He bought the airline in
1950 for $50,000 and proceeded to acquire DC-4s. World got its first government contract in 1951 and has had a
substantial amount of government business since then. World became a key military contractor during the
Vietnam War, flying troops and equipment between the war zone and World's base at Oakland International
Airport. On March 29, 1975, World operated the last airlift flight out of Đà Nẵng, Vietnam. During the first Persian
Gulf War, World did a substantial amount of profitable business for the military. The airline received a substantial
amount of its business from the military, especially in its role connecting American bases in the U.S. to the Middle
East. It also thrived on passenger and freight contracts with private organizations, such as the Jacksonville Jaguars
of the National Football League, as well as wet leases to other airlines. With such wet lease arrangements, World
Airways essentially functioned as a cargo airline arm or subsidiary of another airline in which a separate division
would not be an efficient use of airlines resources. On March 27, 2014, World Airways announced the immediate
cessation of all operations. On November 8th, 2017, investment firm 777 Partners, announced it had acquired the
intellectual property of World Airways, Inc. and planned to relaunch the airline as a low cost international carrier.
The new airline will be based at Miami International Airport with MIA and Los Angeles International Airport as
initial operating hubs.
Zantop: Traces its origins to 1946 when the Zantop family set up Zantop Flying Service. In 1952 it was granted a
license for commercial flying: The name was changed to Zantop Air Transport and the company operated as a
freight airline for the auto industry. In 1962 Zantop took over Coastal Airlines and, through the purchase, acquired
a license to carry passengers as well as freight. In 1967 the Zantop family sold the airline and it became Universal
Airlines. This venture went bankrupt in 1972 and the Zantop family restarted operations under "Zantop
International Airlines," based at Willow Run Airport near Detroit, Michigan. In the beginning years of the new
millennium, its operating certificate and FAR 121 Air Carrier Certificate, once deemed highly valuable, was given
back to the FAA, as was the FAR 125 Certificate. It was then (2000) that Zantop International Airlines ceased
operations.
(Revised May 31, 2018) Additional information added to Piedmont Airlines
(Revised June30, 2018) Inserted Japan Airlines, Seaboard World Airlines
