Jerry said on November 16th, 2008 at 2:14 pm :

Your history of US Airways is incorrect. US Airways is still in existence. US Airways Express is a wholly own commuter subsidiary of US Airways. In 2005 America West Airlines bought out US Airways preventing a 3rd (and most likely fatal) trip into bankruptcy. The executives of AWA thought the larger carriers name had “better recognition” so they kept the name despite all the negatives associated with it.

admin said on November 16th, 2008 at 5:53 pm :

Thank you for your comment, Jerry. I think you’re referring to Allegheny Airlines, and there I was referring to its progression as USAir and then to US Air Express. US Airways still flies planes with the Allegheny logo on its tail, and I agree that it is not defunct. I hadn’t known about America West buying out US Airways, however. Thank you!

CactusAnnie said on November 20th, 2008 at 1:40 am :

Interesting collection of old “friends” here. BTW, Muse Air’s demise was NOT bankruptcy. We were liquidated by Southwest Airlines. And yes, they did give us pink slips and told all of us to “hit the road”. (Contrary to their denials of ever ‘laying off’ anyone….

woody grady said on February 20th, 2009 at 2:36 pm :

The Piedmont DC-3 is now fully restored and flying. Located at NC Transportation Muesum.

Greg said on April 24th, 2009 at 2:55 pm :

Not sure if you want to split hairs here, but technically Allegheny Airlines is not defunt. While it was rebranded as UsAir, then UsAirways, part and parcel it’s still the core of UsAirways. Allegheny aquired Mohawk, PSA, Lake Central and Piedmont. 2nd point depending on who you talk to “east” or “west” either USairways is defunct (except the name) as America West bought them and saved them. Or America West is defunct as Usairways merged with them.

mike said on June 24th, 2009 at 8:39 am :

Found your sight on Google and must say I loved reading the info and comments. The pictures brought back many memories from my childhood and often wondered what happened to some of these airlines that just seem to “disappear”….

Bob said on June 30th, 2009 at 11:09 pm :

This brings back a lot of memories. Still several missing that I worked for. Air New England, Precison Airlines, Five Star Airlines, Bar Harbor, and Allstar Airlines. Plus does anyone else remember the “Yellowbirds”? I think they were part of, or a gimick for Northeast.

William Tomany said on February 9th, 2010 at 8:00 pm :

Great story of Defunt Airlines

jean bullions said on May 3rd, 2010 at 8:51 pm :

I’m trying to find out the name of an old airline, now out of business, that was owned by an American Indian. Anyone old enough to help me?

Larry said on August 7th, 2010 at 5:10 pm :

Nice compilation but you missed a few….
The former West Coast Airlines, Pacific Airlines and Bonanza airlines were acquired by Howard Hughes in the late 1960s (as I recall) and merged together as Hughes Air West. Hughes Air West was subsequently merged with North Central and Southern to form Republic Airlines.

There was also Pride Air, an airline started by a group of former Continental Pilots after the 1982 strike. It was based in New Orleans and flew 727s.

Finally, another of the early deregulation fatalities were Air One and MGM Grand whose ‘First Class’ business model did not last a full year. They flew 727s and DC-8s respectively.

Robert Wright said on August 8th, 2010 at 3:51 pm :

I remember all these companies. When I first got on with Delta in 1961 I was in LAX, and then SAN. I remember when PSA (Pacific SouthWest Airline) started put wwith only four Lockhead Electra’s)

Pete Zamoyski said on August 9th, 2010 at 10:57 am :

The picture of the Air Florida B737, if I am seeing it correctly, is N62AF a B737-200 Basic with JT8-9A engines, this was the Palm 90 aircraft that crashed in Washington D.C. on January 13, 1982.
If it isn’t, then it is N52AF a B737-200 Advanced with JT8-15 engines.

Pete Zamoyski said on August 9th, 2010 at 11:00 am :

The caption regarding Midway Airlines is incorrect, the Airline was certified and began operations November 1979, I should know, I was one of the original employees of the Airlines. We had a GREAT time, unfortunately they went out of business after buying the Philadelphia operation of Eastern Airlines.

Sandy Blanchette said on August 9th, 2010 at 9:13 pm :

I worked for Jet America for a short time in Las Vegas. I trained in Long Beach, CA and I think that was their home base. What happened to them?

Bob S said on August 10th, 2010 at 6:40 pm :

you left out flying tigers. great memories.. thanks

admin said on August 10th, 2010 at 7:52 pm :

Apparently Jet America, which ran between 1981 and 1987, was bought out by and merged into Alaska Airlines in late 1986. Somewhat ironically a similarly-named JetAmerica was supposed to provide $9 flights out of Tampa in 2009 but never made it off the ground.

Mark said on August 11th, 2010 at 6:16 am :

One that would be nice to see in this article is North East Airlines. The infamous “Yellowbirds”.

Bob Cassidy said on August 11th, 2010 at 8:22 am :

Sure are a bunch of them aren’t there. I was with Eastern from 64 until its demise. Any news lately about its restart?

Linda Micu said on August 11th, 2010 at 8:35 am :

i enjoyed this website so much. I have flown on most of these airlines. It brought back great memories of the good old days (when I was much younger) with no responsibilities except for having fun and traveling. Thanks so much

Gary Miller said on August 11th, 2010 at 4:13 pm :

I worked for Ozark Air Lines, as a ramp rat in the late 60’s & 70’s, they were later bought by TWA and then to American. I might have some old pictures of the Ozark DC-3, FH227 and DC-9 laying around somewhere.

Later I flew for Mississippi Valley Airlines, they merged into Air Wisconsin Airlines in 1985.

Aspen Airways merged into Air Wisconsin in 1992.

Jezo said on August 11th, 2010 at 11:23 pm :

Where is Northeast Airlines with their great Yellowbirds??????????(had wings clipped by Delta)- Can you please add?

Maxine Swarner said on August 12th, 2010 at 2:42 pm :

As an Interesting Fact : On Jan 12, 1960, Maxine Reynolds Swarner was the first “Haolli” (caucasion) flight attendant hired by Aloha Airlines.

Debi said on August 13th, 2010 at 1:40 pm :

what about Howard Hughes airline?

Ron Napier said on August 14th, 2010 at 5:17 am :

While Delta acquired some of PanAm’s assets, most of them were acquired by United. In February 1986, United assumed Pan Am’s entire Pacific Division. Unite acquried most of the Atlantic and Latin American Divisions of PanAm in in 1991.

Joe Nedich said on August 14th, 2010 at 11:24 am :

As for Pan Am’ don’t forget United Airlines bought the Pacific Routes before the rest of the sale to Delta! JN

Capt Sal DeVincenzo said on August 14th, 2010 at 12:28 pm :

where is TRANS CRABBEAN AIRLINES, AMERICAN AIRLINES acuired them in 1971 that is how they got the cribian routes

georgia nielsen said on August 14th, 2010 at 4:02 pm :

Deregulation leaves a heap of destruction. The only three pictured that I see going “defunct” prior to deregulation of the airline industry in the USA are Central, Capital, and Mohawk.

Ken said on August 14th, 2010 at 8:42 pm :

National Air;ines did not go Bankrupt they were bought by Pan Am in 1980 - Pan Am went under because Delta Airlines back out of its Buy out in Dec 1992 - Delta gave some of Pan Am Employees A job.

J Border said on August 14th, 2010 at 11:06 pm :

Very interesting, but a couple comments…. I think Republic became Hughes Airwest or merged with another airline to become that. Then Hughes merged with Northwest at sometime after that…not United.

Gerry Crouse said on August 14th, 2010 at 11:14 pm :

CP Air and Wardair are missing as well as Eastern Provincial

Sunnie said on August 15th, 2010 at 1:21 am :

Why did you not include Northeast Airlines? The jets were famouly call “Yellowbitds” due to the yellow underbelly and tail. It originallly started sometime in the 30’s I believe as a cropduster airline in Monroe, LA.

Would love to see a piece on it and a picture.

Thanks.

Doug Martin said on August 15th, 2010 at 10:36 am :

Just a couple more of what I hope to see in a growing list.
Golden Gate, operated out of Monterrey Calif. (MRY) sometime in the mid 80′’s. Flying Shorts
Patriot airlines. A cargo carrier operating out of Stead airport, Reno Nevada. Sometime in the 90’s. Flying 727’s.

art gbwynn said on August 15th, 2010 at 11:29 am :

if there is a book on all these airlines would you send me the title & author?

art

Ross Aimer said on August 15th, 2010 at 12:32 pm :

Wow, great job and thanks for the memories!
I worked for a few of these airlines and a few others not mentioned here! There were around 300 airlines after “deregulation” that flew West and became a sad chapter in airline history books.
One of the airlines mentioned here is Tower Air.
I was the # one Captain on the seniority list when I was fired by the owner Moris Nakhtomi for “union activities!” He would always threaten to shut the airline down if we ever became unionized. He finally did what he had promised. After stealing $50 Million from the coffers!
The majority of these airlines went under because of bad or dishonest management.

Captain Ross “Rusty” Aimer (UAL Ret.)
CEO
Aviation Experts, LLC
San Clemente, CA
http://www.AviationExperts.com

Marianne said on August 15th, 2010 at 12:44 pm :

United Airlines bought Pan Am”s International routes i believe in 1984 or 1985

Larry said on August 15th, 2010 at 5:22 pm :

Wasn’t there a small carrier that flew from Long Beach CA to Catalina Island?

Skip of NCA said on August 15th, 2010 at 7:22 pm :

#1 Yellow Birds were North East to become part of Delta
#2 West Coast/Pacific/AirWest joined to become Air West, later HUGHES Air West then merged with Republic Air which ealier was created by merger of North Central & Southern.
#3 North Central air was renamed from Wisconsin Central (Wiskey Air), started by FWD of Clintonville WI.
#4 Texas Intl was renamed from Trans-Texas.
#5 The TWA Midway Airport folks arrived one morning to find a Constellation a/c missing from its previous night ramp. Seems Howard Hughes needed to leave MDW, so he piloted out his big 4-engine plane.
#6 The May 1960 Official Airline Guide has USofA schedules for 13 Trunk, 13 Local Service Carriers & 3 Helicoper lines (NYC/CHI/LAX), plus some Intl Lines. Today of those 29 USofA air carriers, absent ‘re-branding, etc’, only 4 remain under their 1960 names.

JOHN said on August 15th, 2010 at 10:20 pm :

PRIDE AIR WAS STARTED BY FORMER BRANMIF PILOTS

Dennis Finkenkeller said on August 15th, 2010 at 11:47 pm :

You forgot Ozark Airlines

Algy F Giles said on August 16th, 2010 at 10:15 am :

I have developed a line graph showing
how these carriers have merged together
over the year. This would augment your history
pictures. Please contact if you are interested
AFG

Jeannine Moyle said on August 16th, 2010 at 1:09 pm :

You failed to include BONANZA AIRLINES and WEST COAST AIRLINES

Michael said on August 16th, 2010 at 2:14 pm :

Left off the only one I worked for: Ozark was a great little airline in STL consumed by TWA in 1986.

Dick Squyars said on August 16th, 2010 at 4:10 pm :

Started work at PHF 2 Jan 1959, with Capital
airlines, we had nothing that ran under its own
power….
We had DC3s and DC4s, but we were so proud to working for an airline…..airport was also served by National and Piedmont….National had Convairs and later Electras, Piedmont had DC3
and made one engine stops….

Lots of fun back then, nothing like today…

Ed Meyer said on August 16th, 2010 at 4:58 pm :

I got my start with Capital, then to United, onto the advertising business as a NYC “Mad Man” on the following accounts — Eastern, TWA, National, Flying Tigers, and Tower Air. What a life !! On the Eastern account we went through 425 people in three years, including six VPs, mostly because of burn out or they didn’t pick up on the rythum of the account and quickly fit in. One CEO said, “this is a product that can kill you” (aircraft crashes) and these were the “gun slinger” days of airline management. Brilliant and decisive tough guys. Too bad they’re gone.

Don said on August 16th, 2010 at 7:20 pm :

I worked for tta/ti wa and muse. If I were a betting man the tail number on the NY Air a/c would be 308T/309T

don said on August 16th, 2010 at 7:30 pm :

Air One airlines our of STL in the early 80’s Ed Brookshire was VP of Ops and Lowell McAllister direction of operation. Fun operations

tom G said on August 16th, 2010 at 7:40 pm :

Northeast(one word) airline was originally Boston & Maine Airways, part of the Boston & Maine railroad. One of its original directors was Amelia Earhart. Correct me if I’m wrong. Great site though.

admin said on August 16th, 2010 at 9:48 pm :

Tom: Amelia Earhart was a vice president of National Airways, which conducted the flying operations of the Boston-Maine Airways (later to become Northeast) and several other airlines in the northeast.

Flyinghare said on August 16th, 2010 at 11:23 pm :

Some more by-gone airlines include Cascade (Metro Liners) and Air Oregon, (Piper Navajos) Cochise, (Convairs) Imperial Airines,( C-402, EMB-110 and Short 360) Sunair(Metroliners), Western Pacific (West-Pac) B-737-300, Wien Air Alaska, Royal West (BAE-146), States West, (BE-1900), Morris Air (737) Mark Air (737) ….All bit the dust or were merged in one way or another and the list goes on…..

Pat said on August 16th, 2010 at 11:59 pm :

“Larry” is correct. Pride Air was started by Continental pilots, not Braniff as “John” states. (I worked for Pride Air. ) Also, what about Flying Tigers?

Pierre said on August 17th, 2010 at 1:50 am :

Pacific Express flew BAC-111 and B737-200 operated out of SFO and LAX with their headquarters based in Chico, CA. They attempted to restructure after UAL mirrored their strategy ultimately going defunct on Feb 2, 1984.

ThomN said on August 17th, 2010 at 9:39 am :

I have a model of almost 100% of these planes (and then some) in my museum.

Regarding Aloha the Air Cargo operation continued to operate as a new seperate company but Aloha Airlines as we knew it vanished after 62 years of service. A VERY SAD day!!

Dennis O'Connor said on August 17th, 2010 at 9:50 am :

Can you find anything on ONA ? I flew DC-9’s & DC-8’s there between 1969 -1976. Also flew for the offshoot, United Air Carriers ( IUACI ) 1980- 1985….then along came Tower Air from 1986 - 2000….

Dennis O'Connor said on August 17th, 2010 at 9:51 am :

White side up

Jenny Mourning said on August 17th, 2010 at 11:09 am :

How about ATA - American Trans Air - bankruptcy snapped up by Southwest and then shut down

ted french said on August 17th, 2010 at 11:28 am :

very good put a Western picture in also.

ron kycek said on August 17th, 2010 at 12:00 pm :

Beautiful memories of ustabees. Might suggest a more complete cause and demise such as Icahn’s manipulation at TWA. There so many other examples of the greed that goes on in the “cash cow” airline industry.

Dave Nichols said on August 17th, 2010 at 12:27 pm :

Whoa Nellie! You have got some “facts” way off. First, Allegheny rebranded as US Air, period. Express was and is a separate franchised commuter setup, controlled by Allegheny. Piedmont merged into US Air.

Central Airlines was very profitable when it was acquired by Frontier. I wrote the history of that airline. The majority owner of Central saw a big profit and sold all his shares outright to Frontier’s parent company.

Dave Nichols said on August 17th, 2010 at 12:30 pm :

I think you will find that National Airlines (the original National in the sun colors) did not go bankrupt. I believe they were hostily taken over by Pan Am so the latter could get an instant domestic route system.

Byron Alexander said on August 17th, 2010 at 12:31 pm :

I used to be a flight attendaont on two defunct airlines. Forth Worth Airlines. We operated out of Mecham Field in Fort Worth Texas. The old Braniff execs ran it, which why we only lasted for 9 months. We had a fleet of 4 YS-11’s. Three of them flew while we robbed the 4th for parts. After bankruptacy, our flight crews were picked up by Mid Pacific Air. They moved us from Fort Worth to Las Vegas. Again using our old YS-11s, they wanted to be a low cost competitor to PSA, as gambling run airline. It didn’t last long. YS-11s are cheap to fly for a 60 passenger plane, but they are slow! Can’t compete with a jet. http://www.airliners.net/photo/Mid-Pacific-Air/NAMC-YS-11-107/0694381/L/&tbl=&photo_nr=2&sok=&sort=&prev_id=0694382&next_id=0694380

Karran Rouzan said on August 17th, 2010 at 1:03 pm :

After working in DC for Air Transportation Assocations, which is now ARC, I knew most of these airlines from their old names. Thanks for sharing!

Paul Murray said on August 17th, 2010 at 2:21 pm :

Interesting concept, this website, but the errors are rampant!. The first one visible when you land on the site, is the picture of the AirCal aircraft pictured at SNA. Its identified as a DC-9. WRONG, its a BAE-146. That could have been checked at airliners.net with the registration number

Phil Stallings said on August 17th, 2010 at 2:28 pm :

I began flying for Central Airlines in 1964. I see “Cause and result of demise: Bankruptcy. Sold to Frontier Airlines.”

I would like to correct that …. Central did not file bankruptcy … Central was purchased and merged with Frontier Airlines in 1967.

Paul Murray said on August 17th, 2010 at 2:28 pm :

Allegehny - US Air - US Airways

“Operated: 1952 - 1979
Cause and result demise: Rebranded as USAirways, then US Airways Express and then into Piedmont Airlines.”

The order of secession is wrong. Prior to Allegehny I think it was (AAA) All American Airways, then Allegehny, then US Air, Then several mergers (Mohawk-Piedmont-PSA), then the name change to US AIRWAYS, then two bankruptcies, then the merger with America West.

Kathy Dixon said on August 17th, 2010 at 2:59 pm :

This is most fascinating to me because I worked for Charter Airlines first the went to work for Hughes Airwest/Republic Airlines/Northwest Airlines.
I would love to see something like this for the Charter Ailines. I went to work originally for Universal Airlines, then Saturn Airways, and lastly, TIA(Trans America Airlines).

Thanks - great pictures

Fred Cooney said on August 17th, 2010 at 3:45 pm :

Hi
Great look at a lot of airlines I work with or flew on you did miss Westernpacific airlines which started out of Colorado springs and had the Simpsons on one of their aircraft. Love to know mopre about your site
Thanks
Fred Cooney

Jerry Pappe said on August 17th, 2010 at 5:23 pm :

what about Key Air?

Bud Moss said on August 17th, 2010 at 5:31 pm :

In 1968, Pacific Air Lines (where I worked) and
West Coast Airline and Bonanza Airlines m erg
to form Air West Air Lines. In a year or,
Howard Hughes bough this airline. Then changed the name Hughes Airwest.
Later, merged with Rebublic Airlines. then
Northwest. then Delta Airlines.
Thank you.

Tom K said on August 17th, 2010 at 6:30 pm :

I believe that Delta and Ozark were the only two airlines that used it as two words in their name. Delta Air Lines and Ozark Air Lines. Other airlines that I can think of not on your list are: Zantop, Seaboard World, Flying Tigers, There also was another Capital other than the one that merged with United. Great Site have fun putting all the information together!

Joanne Hice said on August 17th, 2010 at 7:27 pm :

Metro Airlines………. It was the first airline to fly under the American Eagle banner and the last Eagle to be purchased by AMR and rolled into AMR’s American Eagle.

Richard Warner said on August 17th, 2010 at 8:48 pm :

How could you forget Chicago & Southern Airlines which merged into Delta ineither 1952 or ‘53 ? They operated “Dixieliner Service from Chicago through the Mississippi Valley to N.O. and into the Carribbean. They operated DC-3, Convair 340, and Lockheed Constellations at the time of the merger and I think had an interchange with TWA operating Martin 404’s Detroit to Houston. They had pilot bases at Memphis, which was headquarters, New Orleans and if I’m right about the TWA interchange, a very small base at Houston.

Ken said on August 17th, 2010 at 8:51 pm :

Hey,

I was a pilot for Southern Airways, Republic Airlines, Northwest Airlines and Delta. I notice that Hughes Air West (several remarked on that omission, I see) and Northwest did not make the list! Why not? DEFUNCT!

Brandt said on August 17th, 2010 at 9:01 pm :

In the mid 90’s I worked for Private Jet out of Atlanta. They flew a 727 and leased new MD-80’s to fly tourists to the Caribbean and Mexico.
They semed to do a great business in the winter months always flying full out of Chicago. I believe this charter outfit was started by former Eastern employees. Even though it was a new upstart It was a good company to work for for the short time I was with them.

Jim said on August 17th, 2010 at 9:18 pm :

Iflew from Houston toLake Charles on Trans texas and returned 4 days later on Texas International. Seems they added Monterray Mxwhile Iwas gone.

Jack G said on August 18th, 2010 at 12:16 am :

Thanks for the memories. Enjoyed them all. Some others you may want to add to the lore:
•Seaboard World Airways, acquired by Flying Tigers in 1980; Tigers in turn acquired by FedEx in 1988.
•Ozark (2nd incarnation) operated 2 Dornier Do-328 turboprops as Great Plains Airlines, based in Tulsa, OK, from 2001 to 2004.
•Skybus Airlines, an ultra-low-cost airline with a unique business model, based in Columbus, OH, operated 12 Airbus A319s from 10/07 until they ceased operation in 4/08.

Jim Gross said on August 18th, 2010 at 1:04 am :

AirCal was a growing, successful airline when it was merged into AA in 1987. It never ceased operations and was hiring pilots & flight attendants at the time of the merger. Three other airlines (USAir, which bought PSA), Delta (which bought Western), and Continental were looking to buy AirCal during that period. Robert Crandall of AA said he bought AirCal so nobody else could.
Jim Gross
Retired Captain, AirCal & AA

lYNN said on August 18th, 2010 at 5:24 am :

It was Delta that started as a crop dusting
business in Monroe, La.

Amy said on August 18th, 2010 at 7:24 am :

Fact check needed re: Eastern Airlines. I believe their demise occurred before 1991.

Robert G. Brown said on August 18th, 2010 at 8:31 am :

Good Work,
And very interesting, keep up the good work and please let me know when your updates are published.
Never realised that PSA flew L-1011’s, on what route were they used on ????
Thanks again,
Robert G. Brown

joe painter said on August 18th, 2010 at 9:27 am :

Nice

matchlessg80 said on August 18th, 2010 at 9:28 am :

National Airlines did not fail because of bankruptcy. It had one of the healthiest balance sheets in the industry. Pan Am, who wanted a domestic system, paid a very high price for a very successful domestic and international airline. Subsequently, Pan Am sold off various international routes before the last of it was integrated into Delta.

Their are a lot of erroneous statements throughout this site, foremost of which, was Allegheny was re-branded as US Airways and then US Airways Express.
Allegheny merged with US Air. Also Piedmont Airlines also merged with US Air(ways). Piedmont Aviation was also the parent company of Piedmont Airlines and operated after the merger. Moreover, Texas International did not take over Continental. The latter took over Texas International during the early years of Southwest Airlines rise to the top.

I am not aware of Presidential merging with Pan Am.There were numerous other airlines not mentioned such as America West, Action, Precision, Business Express, Bar Harbor, Command, PBA, Best, Marco Island, Naples, Florida Express and Florida West, Air Atlanta, ATA, American International, Air Caribbean, Bonanza, West Coast, Jetstream, Northeastern International, Carnival, Skywest, and Hughes Air West, Jet Express, Leisure Air, Legend, Mackey, Panagra, Pro Air, Pioneer, Ransome, Reeve Aleutian, Wien, and Sunworld International, just to name a few. In all, one might double the number cited above (see “Defunct airlines” on Wikopedia.

Tom Mealie said on August 18th, 2010 at 9:39 am :

Looking at the TWA 707 can anyone tell me if it is a 131 or a 331 model?

admin said on August 18th, 2010 at 9:54 am :

@Tom Mealie: Tail number N772TW indicates that it’s a Boeing 707-331.

Steve Armstrong said on August 18th, 2010 at 10:06 am :

PBA - Providence-Boston Airlines didn’t make your list. I would catch them, I think from JAX to EYW. Loved riding those tail draggin’ DC-3s.

Dick ostergren said on August 18th, 2010 at 11:23 am :

were is the yellow banana Hughe air

Elva Anderson said on August 18th, 2010 at 11:42 am :

Where is Pacific Northern Airlines which operated between PDX/SEA and many Alaska destinations? I worked for them 1955-1987 until they merged with Western Airlines.

Carolyn Williamson said on August 18th, 2010 at 12:54 pm :

Thanks for bringing back some old and very fond memories from my 29 plus years in the airline business. During those years, I wrote or typed most of the 2 letter airline codes of these carriers to book reservations or write tickets. Funny how most have stuck in my mind and I’ve been retired 15 years. I started my career with American Airlines at GSW (Fort Worth) and ended it at our ticketing headquarters built on the same property nearby. Most of my life long friends have an airline background and I cherish those days of shared experiences.
Please correct and maintain this interesting website so we can visit our old friends often. By the way, I did not see Swift Air (out of California) listed.
Carolyn Todd Williamson
‘95 retiree AA

ED CROW said on August 18th, 2010 at 1:04 pm :

TTA (TRANS TEXAS AIRWAYS) WAS THE ORIGIONAL BEFORE TEXAS INTERNATIONAL. I BELIEVE IT WENT TO TEXAS INTERNATIONAL AFTER IT FIRST FLIGHTS TO MEXICO.
I WENT DOWN THE TUBE WITH A COUPLE OF THEM. CONT (TTA TXI),EMERALD AND TRANS STAR

Phil Simon said on August 18th, 2010 at 1:43 pm :

Thank you for putting this interesting website together.

Don’t forget about Hughes Air West and their ugly all yellow and purple airplanes

Jay H said on August 18th, 2010 at 1:59 pm :

You forgot MarkAir, the airline whose intense competition caused Alaska Airlines to cut back permanently on Alaska’s fantastic meal services. I was on the Long Beach to Seattle AS run the morning in 1992 that AS notified its crew and passengers that meals would now be ordinary, not extraordinary. A truly sad day.

From Wikipedia:

The airline began its life as Interior Airways in the late 1940s carrying cargo throughout the state of Alaska. In the late 1960s the airline bought Lockheed L-382 Hercules aircraft to service construction of the Alaska Pipeline. In the 1970s it changed its name to Alaska International Air to reflect its international charter business. In 1982 Alaska International Air bought a regional passenger/cargo airline named Great Northern. In 1984 new colors and the name MarkAir (reportedly named after a newsboy named Mark) were brought to the airline as it inaugurated passenger/cargo service from Anchorage to the Alaska bush communities of Barrow, Bethel, Dillingham, Fairbanks, King Salmon, Kotzebue, Nome, and Prudhoe Bay/Deadhorse. The airline had purchased Boeing 737-200 combination cargo/passenger aircraft to operate these services.

In the mid-1980s MarkAir and Alaska Airlines entered into a codesharing agreement with MarkAir operating as Alaska Airlines to the communities of Dillingham, Dutch Harbor, Barrow, Aniak, St. Mary’s and Alaska Airlines feeding MarkAir from its routes from Seattle and other “lower 48″ destinations. In the late 1980s MarkAir bought several air taxis (airlines operating small six to nine seat aircraft from larger communities such as Bethel to Alaska’s Native villages) and purchased several Beechcraft 1900 aircraft; and under the name of MarkAir Express operated new service from Anchorage to Cordova, Aniak, McGrath, Dillingham, King Salmon, Galena, Unalakleet, Kodiak, Kenai, Homer and Valdez. By 1990 MarkAir was the State of Alaska’s largest airline.[citation needed]

In 1990, Alaska Airlines abruptly cancelled its codesharing agreement with MarkAir and MarkAir inaugurated service to key Alaska Airlines markets such as Anchorage-Seattle, Anchorage-Juneau-Sitka-Ketchikan-Seattle, Seattle-Los Angeles, Seattle-San Francisco and Seattle-Portland. In 1992 the airline expanded its Lower 48 route network to include Seattle-Chicago/Midway and Denver. However the head-to-head competition with Alaska Airlines caused MarkAir to find itself in bankruptcy by the end of 1992. In 1993 MarkAir restructured itself as a “low fare” carrier and cut most routes out of Seattle with the exception of Seattle-Anchorage and Seattle-Los Angeles. The airline began a hub in Denver and serviced various West Coast, Midwest and Southern cities.[citation needed] In 1994 city and business officials from Denver, Colorado hoped to persuade MarkAir to move its headquarters to Denver.[2]

In 1995 faced with bankruptcy again, the airline cut all jet services within the state of Alaska and concentrated on its Denver hub, the new MarkAir headquarters.[3] MarkAir Express continued services within the State of Alaska taking over all of MarkAir’s jet routes. In 1996 MarkAir was forced to shut down. MarkAir Express remained until 1997 and was reorganized into the all-cargo carrier Alaska Central Express.

MarkAir’s assets were purchased in bankruptcy by the private equity firm Wexford Capital Management, the majority owners in control of the present day Republic Airways Holdings.[4]

Jim Radcliffe said on August 18th, 2010 at 2:46 pm :

Your reason for demise on National Airlines is incorrect. You listed Bankruptcy then merged with Pan Am. National did not go bankrupt. Instead, it was a highly profitable airline that Pan Am acquired, which itself later went bankrupt. National Airlines itself was a thriving carrier until Pan Am took over. Pan Am’s managers’ mindset was international and didn’t know how to compete domestically - and the Lockerbie crash put them out of business

William King said on August 18th, 2010 at 3:24 pm :

Have you forgotten Trans Caribbean Airways, Antillies Air Boats or Puerto Rico International Airlines (PRINAIR)?

Lou said on August 18th, 2010 at 3:41 pm :

There’s a great little book called “Airlines for the Rest of Us”: The Rie & Fall of America’s Local Service Airlines, by Stan Solomon, Airways Magazine. Covers history of how the locals came about after WWII, and “biographies” on each airline. Covers Allegheny, Central, Frontier, Lake Central, Mohawk, North Central, Ozark, Pacific, Piedmont, Pioneer, Southern, Trans-Texas, West Coast, and explains a bunch of the mergers. Anybody who worked for an airline between 1945 and 1965 will enjoy this little book. sold by Airways Magazine for a modest $6 For info,
email: airways@airwaysmag.com
ALSO - Please add Mid-Continent Airlines, which was bought by Braniff in the 1950s. Thanks !much!
email airways@airwaysmag.com

Trish Cort Abramson said on August 18th, 2010 at 3:53 pm :

I had SO much fun with these memories. I’m glad someone corrected the error about National Airlines having NOT filed bankruptcy.
I worked for both National Airlines as well as PanAm after the “merger” /buyout of National.

It’s amazing as one moves down through the photos: Didn’t your heart jump a bit when you saw the photo of “yours”?
thank you all for the fun & interesting memories..

Jim said on August 18th, 2010 at 4:33 pm :

????

Gia Monroe said on August 18th, 2010 at 4:42 pm :

It was N7 that, unfortunately, went into bankruptcy. Why no photos?

tom eads said on August 18th, 2010 at 5:00 pm :

There was a C&S Airlines (Chicago and Southern) that merged with Delta in 1957, For a short time Delta was known as Delta-C & S Airlines.

dmalsbury said on August 18th, 2010 at 5:25 pm :

Actually, Reno Air began operations on 1July1992. Great airline and really fabulous people (many of whom were Midway Airlines orphans). I was associated with it from inception to final integration with AA. I retired from AA in 2006 after the company closed the Reno MX facility.
Everyone at Reno Air had a real “can do” attitude from Capt. Bob Reding (CEO) all the way down to the least paid staff member. It was a real pleasure and honor to work with everyone at Reno Air and American Airlines.

Wendy Borland said on August 18th, 2010 at 5:27 pm :

where is reeves air aluetian RAA….

dmalsbury said on August 18th, 2010 at 5:29 pm :

Great to look at all the photos, but you forgot about Air South located in Columbia, SC. I knew a few people that worked for them. Great little
airline. A lot of the staff were former Midway people too.

delmar brinkley said on August 18th, 2010 at 8:28 pm :

Trans-Texas Airways also gained the dubious nickname of “Try That Airport” after one of its planes landed at the wrong airport in S.E. Texas.

Sandy said on August 18th, 2010 at 9:21 pm :

GREAT JOB. Cannot tell you how much I enjoyed the pics!! Really appreciate your work! Husband used to fly for Muse Air…a great airline!

Jack R. said on August 18th, 2010 at 10:33 pm :

Well, I guess you need to add Northwest Airlines, since they were taken over by the Delta merger.

Wayne Farrar said on August 18th, 2010 at 11:06 pm :

Two corrections…
Frontier Airlines, it was aquired by Texas Air which owned Continental Airlines, it was then merged into Continental along with Peoples express and New York Air. Texas International was also wentr into the CO name.
National Airlines, Texas Air bought (I believe) Ten Million Dollars of shares of National and
made an offer for to buy National but they
chose Pan Am instead. Texas Air sold shares to Pan Am, for a profit then they went after Continental. That money that Frank Lorenzo used was (earned for Texas International being on strike 11/74 til 3/75. Thanks, Wayne
retired TTA/TI/CO EMPLOYEE

cher pharis said on August 19th, 2010 at 12:05 am :

this was so “bring you back” moments

Wayne Farrar said on August 19th, 2010 at 12:19 am :

History behind the name change from Trans-Texas Airways to Texas International Airlines.
TI changed name when they started flying into Tampico and Veracruz, Mexico from McAllen, Tx.
with CV600 40 passenger A/C, (old CV240). from AA.

J R Williams said on August 19th, 2010 at 1:22 am :

I began my “big” airplane flying with East Coast Aviation that flew DC-3’s out of Washington National. It was formed by some Capital pilots who didn’t want to go to United when they were bought out. That was in 1963 - from there I went to Hawaiian where I flew until my retirement in 1994.

While flying between HNL and SFO we had a number of communications problems with an air carrier who started and failed in just a few years. They were called Air Hawaii and they used the same flight numbers as our Hawaiian Air. On one flight from HNL to SFO, I was asked to call OAK center on a land-line when I landed. I did so and was asked why I didn’t fly the flight plan that I had accepted. It turned out that the culprit was the pilot of Air Hawaii 12 and not us - Hawaiian Air 12.

Air Hawaii didn’t last too long.

Farhad Azima said on August 19th, 2010 at 4:18 am :

What about all the chater airlines? Flying Tiger, Saturn Air Transport, Global Internationa, Capital Air, Airlift International, Arrow Air, and many more…..
None operating today.

Farhad Azima

Kermit Ring said on August 19th, 2010 at 8:36 am :

I didn’t see Wright Airlines. It operated, mainly between Detroit and CLE with Convairs. I believe it went bankrupt in the mid 80’s.

jim leblanc said on August 19th, 2010 at 10:01 am :

In 1968, there was a feeder airline, named Metro Airlines. It flew between several airports ( IAH, HOU, EFD) It ceased operations, in 1973, do to low Load Factors.

The airline flew Twin Otters.

Chuck Maire said on August 19th, 2010 at 10:25 am :

Wow, I have seen some interesting histories here about US Airways. Allegheny Airlines merged with Mohawk I believe in the late 60s. It rebranded itself as UsAir in 1977 or so. It had established the feeder system of Allegheny Commuters in the 70s. I flew for one of them. It later merged with PSA and Piedmont and retained it’s name then changed to US Airways under Steven Wolf. America West bought US Airways several years ago and kept the name US Airways which better fit the operations mission. Piedmont is one of the feeders for US Airways but is not the same company as the one which merged with US Air. I think I have that all correct. I am sure if not someone will tell me. Also, North Central merged with Southern in 1979 to become Republic. In 1980 it merged with Hughes Airwest. In 1986 we merged with Northwest Orient to become Northwest. Now we are Delta. I started in 1978 with North Central and now fly for Delta after 4 mergers.
Chuck Maire
Chairman
National Museum of Commercial Aviation

Dave said on August 19th, 2010 at 10:34 am :

If you think back and wonder why, where these airlines have gone. STOP, think about the corporate crooks that are still around that ran those airlines into the ground for personal profit, totally ignoring the hard working employees of each of these airlines.
Carl Ichn The #1 Thief “Owner of TWA”

What a beautiful airlines it WAS…..

John Willimas said on August 19th, 2010 at 11:13 am :

What about Maxjet? operated for about 1.5 years and folded on Christmas eve 2008. Refurnbished 727 with all business class between New York & Standstead UK. Incredible service, incredible experience but killed by the fuel costs.

Paul Kalisch said on August 19th, 2010 at 12:38 pm :

What is the story on the airline Paul Eckle started after the Continental bankruptcy?

Curt Lewin said on August 19th, 2010 at 1:07 pm :

Re: Pan Am’s demise. The high price paid for National was not the major cause of Pan Am’s failure though there are some who like to make that claim.
In his book, Pan Am: An Aviation Legend, Barnaby Conrad contends that the collapse of the original Pan Am was a combination of corporate mismanagement, government indifference to protecting its prime international carrier, and flawed regulatory policy.
Pan Am had huge bond issues in the market that paid between 8.5 and 12.5% interest. It is not possible to survive with that kind of debt load.

julianne said on August 19th, 2010 at 1:41 pm :

amy,
your 18aug2010 posting @0724, asked for a fact check. eastern mgmt was notified at 2030/18jan91 during a conference call that there was a man standing at your tkt ctr. with a package, please go get it and bring the package and pinkerton guard back to your office. in it was a 52 page manual on how to shut down a station…..so our airline went under that nite at midnite….i know i was there. a fact you didn’t know i’m sure is in the next six months after that call, there were a veriied 265 suicides………..

Rita said on August 19th, 2010 at 2:01 pm :

You have forgotten the Best of the Best. PACIFIC NORTHERN AIRLINES!!!! Plus NORTHERN CONSOLIDATED, WEIN, AND REEVE ALEUTION AIRWAY!!! Alaskans were much more dependent on these airlines for everything than people in the LOWER 48 were on their local carriers.

Norman Stearns said on August 19th, 2010 at 2:27 pm :

A lot of good history of the airlines since the 20’s. I have a picture of me and Earl with a DC-3 Ford. I will try to find it to send to you.

mario mayorga said on August 19th, 2010 at 4:02 pm :

After 32 years with TWA and 4 involved with kitchens catering for the airlines I still miss the friends and interesting events tha we had. Airlines workers have many things in common like mandatory overtime, double shift, pay concesions, work on holydays etc. and at the end we survive. We are like a family and our ID is recognized all over the world. - Visit http://WWW.WACAnorthamericaregio.com click Mario Mayorga on a mission.

Chuck said on August 19th, 2010 at 5:13 pm :

Whatever happened to TALOA, an airline based out of Oakland airport Ca.They had a round trip from OAK to Honolulu for 99 dollars. I didn’t expect it to last very long.

Dai said on August 19th, 2010 at 6:31 pm :

I watched the movie “Bullit” the other day. In one scene the good guy is pursuing the bad guy on the tarmac of SFO. They are dodging between taxiing A/C. Not one of the airlines shown still exisits.

Arthur Speegle said on August 19th, 2010 at 9:33 pm :

In the middle 1950’s a Intrastate carrier operated in Tennessee. It flew DC3’s and later Convair 240’s. It served Kingsport, Knoxville,Chattanooga, Nashville, Jackson, Memphis, Dyersburg and Union City. It was called Southeast Airlines with home offices in Kingsport.
Art Speegle

Joe Vilmain said on August 19th, 2010 at 9:48 pm :

Just a couple of observations:

I would question National being the “first exclusively jet powered air service in the US”?

The claim for Chicago Air and the Fokker F-27 may be correct but I don’t think the picture is of a F-27 (my recall is the F-27 was an overwing aircraft operated in large part by Ozark Airlines.

Finally, to limit the comments about TWA to the “moon” thing in California is sad - this was the airline of “firsts” and truly the airline of the stars - there are so many stories to be told about TWA that this page would have trouble holding them - a proud airline and proud employees.

George Nash said on August 19th, 2010 at 11:11 pm :

I remember one that is not included. Chicago & Southern Airlines. Also known as C&S Airlines. If I remember corectly, it merged with Delta in the early 1950’s, giving Delta a route or routes into Chicago. One route I remember was from New Orleans to Chicago.

Tony R Gurrera Sr USAF veteran said on August 20th, 2010 at 12:59 am :

Prin Air puddle jumped all the islands SJU to St Thomas and on.

Carbi Air used DC-3 tail draggers to do there hops

Pan Am Bus Jet out of Steward

Trump Air

NY Airways helicopters landed on Pan Am building, lost left wheel down the building

tom webber said on August 20th, 2010 at 7:08 am :

i started airline work in 1956 at eal/mdw, retiring in 2008 from aa/mia, so i’ve seen most of these airlines and ridden on lots. it’s been a hellova ride! was capital mentioned with their viscounts?
web

Bob Warren said on August 20th, 2010 at 8:05 am :

One that I don’t see on your list is Air Atlanta. First class only, flew B727’s, ATC identifier was CRB

Paul Downing said on August 20th, 2010 at 8:59 am :

To “John’s” comment re: Pride Air Aug.15,2010 - Pride Air was an effort by former CAL pilots - not Braniff pilots. I was the the proud owner of one share of stock and awaiting a class date.

diana ludwig said on August 20th, 2010 at 10:15 am :

Very interesting! What about Lake Central Airlines - 1950-1968 - merged with Allegheny?

Lauren Nelson said on August 20th, 2010 at 11:20 am :

These are great. I remember the early 50s when “big” DC-3s flew over our farmhouse with AAA on the bottom of the wings. All American Airlines became Allegheny which is now USAirways. This was my stimulation. In later years for Eastern Airlines I did technical acceptance for some new L-1011s and the first N-registered A300 to come to the USA.

Greg said on August 20th, 2010 at 12:54 pm :

United Airlines bought PanAm’s pacific routes and hired many pilots, flight attendants and pacific station personnel. They were very valuable in helping United transition into a true international airline.

Greg

Dave Face said on August 20th, 2010 at 2:37 pm :

Fantastic site (even with the errors) but not one single non sked airline inclluded. They operated right after WW II with surplus war military transports. The photos are great and I enjoyed all of them. I’d never exchange my airline experiance for any other life.

I am a TWA retiree of 1959/1990 vintage.

Wayne Gales said on August 20th, 2010 at 2:49 pm :

Ex Hughes Air West, Republic, and Sunworld International Airways

Rev Steve Barnett said on August 20th, 2010 at 3:56 pm :

I did not see “Golden West Airlines” ‘a regional commuter using DeHavilland Twin Otters, mostly around the LA basin. I flew about 6oo hours with them as first officer in the late ’60’s, leaving to fly with PSA in San Diego.

Roland said on August 20th, 2010 at 4:48 pm :

Worked for TWA, TI, CO, PSA and US. Every one I started with went broke or was acquirred. Maybe its my fault!!

kathy said on August 20th, 2010 at 7:03 pm :

what about “Song”? The best airline…..

kathy said on August 20th, 2010 at 7:04 pm :

what about “Song”? Best airline ever…..

Robert Johnston said on August 20th, 2010 at 8:46 pm :

Bob Brown asked about the PSA L-1011 route:

Non-Stop SAN-SFO for $19 +/- ??

Long Live AirCal…………….

steve said on August 20th, 2010 at 9:53 pm :

How about Prinair, Chaulks, Altair, Royal Hawaiian, Marco Airways, Air Sunshine, Taca, Sasha, (good ole Latin American Airlines), World Airways, BOAC, BEA, SwissAir, Sabina, Trans Texas, Aspen, Atlantis, Virginia Air, Tennesse Airways, All Nippon, AeroPeru, Sunbird,Air North, Im sure many more…keep up the list…neat…

Del Mott said on August 21st, 2010 at 12:03 am :

Your informative narratives/photos, including all the respectful airline personnel comments were refreshing. This brought back so many memories of my 10 plus years with Western Airlines and my 15 plus years as AFA’s safety director for many of those airlines included in your delightful collection. Keep us informed as to publication of this information and thanks for the memories.
Question: Are you sure about the Western/Air Florida connection? Air Florida went under after the 1982 accident.

bushpilot said on August 21st, 2010 at 1:06 am :

Was there a airline called Wien Air Alaska or Wien Consolidated?

Beth Hardman said on August 21st, 2010 at 1:30 am :

Worked for Eastern Airlines for 28yrs. Was the best job I ever had. Met some of the friends I still have today. That was back in the days when you were all a family.

Jim Krohn said on August 21st, 2010 at 6:07 am :

Anyone remember “United Air Carriers”? Or howsabout “Zantop”, who flew in overhauled R-2800s and R-3350s to NWA in MSP

Monique said on August 21st, 2010 at 8:45 am :

Forgot Morris Air! I worked for them in early 90’s in CO Springs right before SWA bought them. Great people; great experience!

Bob Berkebile said on August 21st, 2010 at 8:55 am :

Allegheny Cause and Result Demise should read…
Rebranded as USAir and now USAirways.
Piedmont was merged into Allegheny.

Also, Lake Central Airlines is missing from your list of airlines gone by. They also were merged into Allegheny.

Thanks for the memories…loved it.

Reb Stimson said on August 21st, 2010 at 9:06 am :

Wow, it is mind boggling how many airlines disappeared during the past fifty years. If one goes back even further to the 20’s & 30′S there were more mergers and failues then also. Let’s not quibble over minor details, this is a great trip down memory lane. I was lucky enough to be at AA for almost 36 years (32 pilot, 4 instructing) back during the “Glory Years” beginning in the 60’s. Thanks for the effort to bring this out. Av8Reb@aol.com
Nice to also see some “old friends” like Jim Gross and others responding on this site.

terry kane said on August 21st, 2010 at 10:44 am :

GREAT ARTICLE!!!!!
WHAT ABOUT LAKE CENTRAL

HAL said on August 21st, 2010 at 10:56 am :

Please give me information on Air Illinois.

les brown said on August 21st, 2010 at 11:10 am :

Sun Valley Airlines and Magic Carpet airlines flew the Hollywood crowd from Salt Lake to Sun Valley, Idaho as well as the “mini-liners” from Airwest Airlines. It seems another airline called “Rich Airlines” owned by Ed Rich flew to Sun Valley. What a blast it use to be working for the airlines….it was such a “fix” that I believe you would have worked for them free gratis. I’m an ole Hughes Airwest Guy.

j Walker said on August 21st, 2010 at 12:12 pm :

PANAGRA airlines was a U.S. owned airline (Pan American airlines and Grace shipping co owners). The airline adverised it was the “friendliest airline” and primarily flew routes along the west coast of S.A. The airline initially only had S.A. routes as far north as Panama as Pan Am’s interests were the east coast of S.A. to the U.S.. Later PANAGRA operated flights all the way up to N.Y. and as far west as San Fracisco They were acquired by Braniff (1969). It would be nice to see them on your site!

Bobbie Vetter said on August 21st, 2010 at 1:06 pm :

Many fond memories of my husband’s 37 years with United. Recall some nicknames–Teeny Weeny for TWA, Bring Over American Cash for BOAC, Air Chance for Air France, and I still use the phrase “blue room” for a bathroom. Fun and interesting site. Thanks.

JAYE VEGA said on August 21st, 2010 at 2:08 pm :

WOW–THIS WAS VERY INTERESTING READ..I AM AN EX EASTERN AIRLINE EMPLOYEE….IT SURE DID MAKE ME THINK OF A LOT OF THINGS THAT HADN’T CROSSED MY MIND IN SEVERAL YEARS & I LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF IT!!! THANKS AGAIN…..

Jared Howe said on August 21st, 2010 at 3:06 pm :

I am tired of hearing that Eastern went out of business because of bankruptcy. Eastern was put out of business by Frank Lorenzo on purpose. He destroyed Eastern to build up his other Scam operated Airline, Continental. He put Eastern into Bankruptcy and Liquidated the assets. Continental at the time was the countries 14th largest airline. Eastern was the countries 2nd largest airline. He took from Eastern (a Unionized carrier) and moved assets to Continental (non-union) and built them up the nations 5th largest in size while destroying Eastern. What Continental didn’t want or couldn’t use, Lorenzo sold off to other carriers like American, Donald Trump, etc. The Eastern Shuttle for example is now split between Delta and USAir. Put them both together and it was the Eastern Shuttle. I worked for Eastern for 18 years, and retired from British Airways… Eastern didn’t go bankrupt by itself…. it was put in bankruptcy on purpose and liquidated for Continental’s benefit. All Continental is today is Eastern without the Eastern people. I hope the merger of Continental and United goes well, but I want the Continental name to disapper. Do I sound bitter….???? Yes. I am. Eastern was a great airline with great people. Lorenzo, I hope you rot in hell you S.O.B.

Ed Schnatterly said on August 21st, 2010 at 4:45 pm :

I was Delta’s District Sales Manager at EWR from 1966 until 1992. Your site really brings back some great memories of a much happier time in the airline industry. Back when, although their was fierce competition between carriers, there was also a very strong bond and sincere camaraderie between all airline employees. You would do all you could to steal away airline X’s and airline Y’s passengers during the day and then meet airline X’s and airline Y’s folks after work for a softball game and a few beers. Thank you very much for sharing this site with we former airline folks.

name (required) said on August 21st, 2010 at 6:59 pm :

You forgot to list America West Airlines. They had a few painted up planes.

J.D. Fuller said on August 21st, 2010 at 8:49 pm :

I want to thank you for all the research that has supported my empirical suppositions:
I personally, have managed during a somewhat sporadic career, to steer into the bankruptcy morass, three, count em three, of these fine dinosaurs of aviation endeavors: Pan Am (Aka pandemonium) NWA (Aka cobra airlines, we strike at anything) and finally good ole EAL (Why yes, I can run an Airline, Friendly Frank and the guy from American AA and Airtran, forklift Joe.)

Mike said on August 21st, 2010 at 10:20 pm :

Couple more goners for you -
I saw a letter mention a mainland Mid Pacific Airways - They also flew YS-11s in Hawaii mid-late 80s, now long gone.
SPIA South Pacific International Airways (Airlines?) Same time period had 2 beautiful 707s out of Honolulu plus Twin Otters in Samoa.
I also would like to see a little more detailed history in your great lineup. Those were super days. Thanks.

VINTAGE 48 said on August 21st, 2010 at 10:26 pm :

A neighbor (and Mom) of one of my childhood friends was a former Air Hostess for Trans World Airlines back in their “glory days”, circa mid-
1940-’s. She told fascinating stories to us kids about the many celebs she’d met in the course of her “air hostess” duties including the Big Band singer Johnny Desmond who remained one of their cherished family friends. My neighbor said the “pet name” for TWA was “Teeny Weenie Airlines”!

I was almost convinced that commercial air travel would grind to a halt when “the BIG one” TWA stopped service several years ago. Had almost the same reaction when PAN-AM quit, too. Guess it didn’t “make the going great” after a while!

Everything changes, I guess.

Thanks for the memory stirrers.

Susan said on August 22nd, 2010 at 12:38 am :

What about Air Atlanta? Great airline, with real china, your own crystal salt/pepper shakers, competitive pricing, and a free RT ticket for every five you bought…probably why they went under!

pete said on August 22nd, 2010 at 2:00 am :

As I remember, Chalks Airlines of Miami, FL had service to the Bahamas & flew only Grumman amhibs: the Goose, Mallard (piston & turbo-prop) & in later years, the “G-SA-16/G-111 “Albatross”. An inflight failure of a “Mallard” wing ended Chalks Airlines a few years ago.

Air Florida began with a single B707/720 with service from PIE-MIA and quickly got a few Lockheed “Electras” before procuring B737s (some from UA) & B727s. At one point, they had ex AS & BI B727s in use. They also had a couple of DC-10s for MIA-LGW service. After the demise of AF, the B737 operation formed the core of ML’s MIA/FLL base.

In 1989, ML purchased Chap. 11 EAL’s PHL hub & approximately DC9-31s from aviation’s ‘dear friend’ Frank L. The ex-EA DC9-31s powered by JT8-D-7 engines could not fly a full pax load to NYC/PHL/DCA out of MDW on hot summer days.

EA had a group of 25 B-727-200s, owned by Greyhoud Bus Lines, which were powered by JT8-D-7 engines. On a hot summer day, with a full 12/137 pax load, they could not make it non-stop from DCA-ATL and would flag stop in RIC for fuel! Talk about economy.

Scott Crosier said on August 22nd, 2010 at 3:13 am :

Another airline to be added:
USAfrica Airways. For some basic information, see Wikipedia as follows:
USAfrica Airways
US Africa Airways was a United States based airline that operated flights between Washington Dulles International Airport (then called Dulles International Airport) and Johannesburg in starting in June, 1994.[1] Flights refueled in the Cape Verde Islands. Later, once a week flights were added to Cape Town, which also refueled in the Cape Verde Islands.
The airline was the first U.S. airline flying only international routes since the U.S. airline industry was deregulated in 1978.
The airline operated flights from June 1994 to February 3, 1995. [2] It leased two McDonnell Douglas MD-11 aircraft from American Airlines, registered as N1757A and N1757B. [3]

Brian Campbell said on August 22nd, 2010 at 10:10 am :

Midway Airlines was formed in 1976 but it did not operate until it flew its first revenue flight on November 1, 1979. I would mention that Midway was the first scheduled airline to be federally certificated after deregulation was passed by Congress and signed into law by President Carter.

Bruce said on August 22nd, 2010 at 12:00 pm :

Magnificent compilation. You shud make a book out of it. A nice coffee-table tome! I’d add a few lines about each airline’s major routes.

Missing: Provincetown-Boston Airline (no “s” in Airline). Flew the amazing DC-3 right up to the end. Moved its entire operation to Florida during the winter.

Robert Hardisty said on August 22nd, 2010 at 12:38 pm :

It will be interesting to see your write-up about Continental Airlines and United. United Airlines keeping ther name for the Airline, The Continental Airlines LOGO on the tail (for how long nobody knows), and the Continental Airlines CEO taking over the raines! Now this is going to be a combination that is going to interesting..
Being an X Continental Airlines employee I feel bad that the Continental image will soon be lost into what is shown above, but never forgotten!

elwin johnston said on August 22nd, 2010 at 1:19 pm :

I worked for Continental at MAF from ‘67 to ‘69. Love to hear from any of my old friends out there in cyber land.

jill said on August 22nd, 2010 at 1:20 pm :

Thanks for publishing the information. This really brings back memories having been a travel agent for the past 28 years, plus having a Dad who worked at Pan Am from 1938 to 1978. I haven’t read everybodys comments, so forgive me if this has been shared, but from this list I don’t see World Airways or Wien Air Alaska mentioned.

Bess Guptill Carnahan said on August 22nd, 2010 at 1:52 pm :

What a walk down memory lane. At least I got to live through the best years of commercial aviation.

Bess Guptill Carnahan said on August 22nd, 2010 at 2:03 pm :

Couple of other missing…Southeast that flew from MIA to the Fla Keys. The best of all, Chalk Airlines that flew from MIA to the Bahamas. Chall operated sea planes of various types and flew by the seat of their pants and dead reckoning. What a fun ride.

TWA was absoutely the best, but was so terribly mismanaged from Hughs forward. We did it because we were great employees who could do anything with nothing. I miss them all.

Werner Meyer said on August 22nd, 2010 at 2:08 pm :

A lot of work and enjoyed it much. Worked for Northeast 1959-1961 as a/p mech at LGA & IDL.
Good outfit.

Jay Graham said on August 22nd, 2010 at 3:45 pm :

Fascinating and well done, obviously some editing (per folks’ comments), but congratulations on a ton of research.

My Dad flew for TACA and then Morgan Airlines (Honduras) 1932 - 34, returned home and was Captain with TWA 1938 - 47. Quit TWA in disgust over their mismanagement of international operations.

Thanks for the photo’s and good stories; and for including allthose comments…

Might be interesting to do similar effort on the airlines that have SURVIVED for these many years, too!

God bless,
Jay

Pierre J. Haan said on August 22nd, 2010 at 3:52 pm :

I would like to add a few more:
Lake Central Airlines, which was merged into Allegheny airlines in 1968.
Colonial Airlines which was merged into Eastern Airlines in 1956.
Seaboard World Airlines, an all cargo airline which started out as Seaboard & Western, which was merged into the all cargo airline Flying Tigers, which also no longer exists to-day.
I am a retired engineer; and I worked at all 3 of these airlines.

R Neal said on August 22nd, 2010 at 5:33 pm :

You left out Bonanza Air Lines, Pacific Air Lines and West Coast Airlines, which merged to become AirWest and then became Hughes
Air West

John said on August 22nd, 2010 at 5:52 pm :

Great pictures of some great airlines. World Airways is another I think left out. You could get a great deal here in Australia buying a combination Continental?world fare to London. Calstate is another smaller defunct, and I guess Northwest Orient should get a mention, along with American Trans Air. I have doubts about TWA closing in 1991. Certainly there were TW/AA codeshare flights through St Louis operating later than that. And as for Pan Am I believe the weight of their frequent flier scheme was a major influence in their demise. They were filling huge chunks of their loads with freebies and this was making their yields unprofitable.

Paul Talbott said on August 22nd, 2010 at 5:58 pm :

A couple of Delta corrections:
Delta started their crop dusting operations in Macon, GA, then moved to Monroe, LA as it was more centrally located. They were originally known as Huff-Daland Dusters, then became Delta Air Service. C & S merged with Delta on 1 May 1953 not 1957.
C & S began life as Pacific Seaboard on the west coast flying Bellancas. C & S never operated any CV-340’s.
At the time of the merger they were operating DC-3’s & Connies. Delta sold the C & S Connies to Pacific Northern Airlines which was purchased by Western Air Lines, who also operated them.
Northeast Air Lines merged with Delta in 1972. At the time they were flying B-727-95 & 295’s, DC-9-31’s & FH-227C’s. All operated in Delta markings.

Roy Lecker said on August 22nd, 2010 at 6:08 pm :

Empire Airlines operated out of Boise, Idaho in 1946 then merged with West Coast Airlines in Seattle in the early 1950’s which was owned and operated by Alaska fisherman named Nick Bez. West Coast started with 13 DC-3’s and later added F-27 aircraft in 1958. In 1962, West Coast added 4 Piper 31 and in 1965 West Coast added 4 Douglas DC-9=10 aircraft. West Coast, Pacific, and Bonaza Air;ines merged to make Air West in 1968 which was purchased by Hushes in 1971. Hushes Air West was Sold to Republic Air Lines in 1980 which was made up of North Central, Southern, and Hushes Air West. Republic was then sold to Northwest Airlines. History moves on.

David F LaRocque said on August 22nd, 2010 at 6:15 pm :

Re: TWA-Yes TWA had financial problems, but those problems were greatly exacerbated by the loss of TWA 800 on July 17, 1996. Nobody who reads “First Strike: TWA 800 and the Attack on America” by Jack Cashill; or listens to the interview with NYANG Major Fred Meyer (former USN SAR pilot in Vietnam) could remain in doubt about what happened to TWA Flight 800. It was shot down and this fact was concealed by the government in a massive cover-up. TWA was shot down!

Paul said on August 22nd, 2010 at 6:44 pm :

Southwest Airways was based in SFO and in 1958 changed it’s name to Pacific Airlines.

The F-27 was/is a Turbo-prop.

As I recall PSA ordered L1011s but never flew them.

Nat Key said on August 22nd, 2010 at 7:11 pm :

The TWA 707 is a 331

Willard Marquis said on August 22nd, 2010 at 10:39 pm :

Worked for PanAm 1939-80. As Airport Mgr saw & handled Many other Airlines Particularly in LAD. Your info furnished a treasuretrove of fond memories. Hope to add more info as time permits. Did you list Chicago and Southern ? It operated US to SJU via the islands and was acquired by Delta about 1951 or 52.

Really enjoyed your project. Good Luck !

David said on August 22nd, 2010 at 10:53 pm :

Hello…love your site. If I may offer one correction, Allegheny rebranded into USAir, which later became USAirways, but it stopped there. USAir did not rebrand into USAirways Express, nor Piedmont. Piedmont was acquired by USAir in 1989.
Thanks!

Efrain Cordero said on August 22nd, 2010 at 11:38 pm :

They fail to mention Caribair, that operated out of Puerto Rico, and eventually was purchased by EAL……

pete said on August 22nd, 2010 at 11:52 pm :

Another SFL operation was Marco Island Airways which flew MIA-Marco Island to bring potential real estate purchasers to Marco Island in the 70s. They flew a Martin 404 which was normally domiciled at Opa Locka.

Airlift of Miami operated for many years and used various types such as C-46, CV880/990, B-727, L-100, DC-8.

Rich International was active for many years (still might be!) and used C-46s to supply the ancient USCG Loran “A” chain stations in San Salvador & South Caicos; flew post Ch7 EAL L-1011s in charter service and well as a bit of scheduled flying; they also has DC8 flying at one point.

Arrow Air flew cargo, some pax, & mil. charters and lost a mil charter DC8 flight in Gander, Nfld.

Then there was Miami Air, a carrier which came out of the ashes of the final EAL BK 7 filing, some 2 years after the IAM strike.

Doug Rounds said on August 23rd, 2010 at 12:46 am :

You left out Lake Central Airlines. Founded by Roscoe Turner.. Roscoe tp keep his certificate founded Michigan Central Airlines which flew into Flint, Saginaw, Traverse City, Michigan once a year to keep the certificate issue after WWII. He sold that route to Capital (Untied) when he founded Lake Central.
Lake Central Airlines was an airline that served points in the midwestern United States from 1950 to 1968, when it was merged into Allegheny Airlines. Founded as Roscoe Turner Airlines, the company was based at Weir-Cook Airport (now Indianapolis International Airport) in Indianapolis, IN. It serviced communities principally in Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia and Maryland. It flew Douglas DC-3, Convair 340, Convair 580, and Nord 262 aircraft.

Roscoe aslso founded Michigan Central Airlines after WWII, whcih flew once a year to keep the certificate with a Stinson Voyager and a Cessna T-50 (Bamboo Bomber). They flew to Detroit, Flint, Saginaw and Traverse City, Michigan. He sold te route to Capital (United)

Robert Booth said on August 23rd, 2010 at 12:48 am :

Many coomments. For years United Airlines was spelled United Air Lines.

The Pan Am around the world flight over the North Pole also went over the South Pole. The route was San Francisco - London - Cape Town - Auckland - San Francisco.

If you include small regional airlines, you missed Henson Aviation, Ransome Airlines, NewAir, and Pilgrim. Also Colonial Airlines which operated DC-3s from New York to Albany and Monreal and was bought by Eastern, in the late 1940s, I think, so that it could get a route to Motreal.

Beside Wien Alaska, there was also Reeve Aleutian in Alaska.

I noticed many of your omissions, then found most of them covered in the comments.

I worked for four airlines. Only one is still operating. However, I know a woman who was a flight attendant for nine airlines, all of which are now defunct! The angel of death!

A great site and I wish you luck with it! You’ve got a subject here that will keep you busy for a long, long time!

Tokyotim said on August 23rd, 2010 at 4:36 am :

Please include independence air! From birth to shutdown, independence had the shortest lifespan of any airline in history, but operated 99 airplanes.

gerald marketos said on August 23rd, 2010 at 7:26 am :

You left out the original Empire Airlines founded by my family in 1945. It lasted until 1950 when they neglected to renew the mail franchise application. (That’s how they were subsidized.)They started with about 8 UC-78 (T-50) Bobcats and later had a fleet of D-18 “C” model Beechcraft with 550 HP engines.It was chartered as an intrastate airline with the hub at LaGuardia and serviced about 10 cities throughout New York State. The Empire Airlines you have listed actually operated as Oneida County Aviation dba Empire Airlines as we still hold the trademark for Empire. President Paul Quackenbush was a friend.

Russ said on August 23rd, 2010 at 11:54 am :

You forgot to mention “Pacific Express” it was an attempt by Pan Am as a low cost regional carrier. It flew Bac 1-11’s and tried to buy some BAE-146. It filed for Bankruptcy. It was based out of Chico,Ca.

Marti Lungren said on August 23rd, 2010 at 12:05 pm :

Air West was formed by the only THREE way merger in the history of American aviation. It was formed by Pacific Airlines out of SFO, West Coast out of Seattle and Bonanza out of PHX. It was a mess initially but they did prevail. Hughes bought them in late 1970 or 1971. They then became Hughes Air West. The planes were all painted yellow and flight attendants wore yellow uniforms.
Republic Airlines was the result of a merger (takeover) of Southern Airways by North Central. They later acquired Hughes Air West to further add to Republic Airlines. wasyjrm was then bought by North was

Sonja said on August 23rd, 2010 at 12:13 pm :

Very interesting! Thank you!

Marti Lungren said on August 23rd, 2010 at 12:36 pm :

I was not able to continue with my history of Hughes Air West and Northwest. In 1986 Northwest bought Republic. NW\A was the strongest airline in the US. They owned all their aircraft and properties. They then were taken over by the Bill Marriott corporation who immediately leveraged all the assets turning NWA into a debt ridden company. I refer to this takeover as done by the Mormon Mafia..NWA had a terrible relationship with their employees and relied on the mutual aid pact to stay afloat what with all their problem with strikes. I think I’d welcome back the CAB!

Jane said on August 23rd, 2010 at 2:04 pm :

TWA & AA 2000

“Two Great Airlines One Great Future!”

TWA Pilots, FLight Attendants and Mechanics got the shaft.

AA got the TWA, Round the World Routes, and Airplanes. We also got stapled to the bottom of the
seniority list, not our date-of-higher seniority.
Question? What great future!

Henry Best said on August 23rd, 2010 at 3:01 pm :

Great site! I started as co-pilot with Riddle Airlines (later Airlift)in the cockroach coner of Miami Int’l. After layoff, work for Aerovias Sud Americana from same place flying fright to South America. Left there to fly for Western Airlines in LA. Flew as a Second Officer on the DC-6 up and down the coast from LAX/SFO/OAK. Fare was $11.43. When UAL started flying 727s for $14.00, our load factor went to zero.
Furlough again fond me as a DC-6 S/O at Hawaiian Airlines. Got tired of the Islands, went to Flying Tiger in LAX flying F/O on the swingtail CL-44. Recalled to Western. Became a Captain and were aquired by Delta Airlines. End at the pinnacle of my career flying
MD-11 all over the world. Six different arline uniforms. There were so many opertunities with so many carriers now gone. I got lucky!

john said on August 23rd, 2010 at 3:02 pm :

United airlines was originally going to buy Frontier airlines but waited instead till Frontier went bankrupt and bought all the aircraft.
Also when Pan Am went bankrupt United bought all the profitable Pacific routes. One or two of the major Mgmt people also went with United.

Nissen Davis said on August 23rd, 2010 at 3:18 pm :

Flying Tiger Line was acquired by Federal Express in 1989

Robert Grant said on August 23rd, 2010 at 4:51 pm :

Jet America out of Long Beach,CA in the 80’s. Flew MD-82’s bought by Alaska airlines

Michele said on August 23rd, 2010 at 6:28 pm :

What about Saturn Airways? It was a charter based out of Oakland, California in the mid 1960’s. We flew mac flights too!
Other charters; TIA (Trans International Airlines) World Airways, Flying Tigers (San Francisco)
I think there was also one called Seaboard World Airlines?

Thanks this interesting page!

joan marx said on August 23rd, 2010 at 6:49 pm :

I flew five years for Western Airlines and what fun to read about all the different airlines I had long forgotton. I was in the era where a girdle was a requirement along with quite a few other things.
Joan Clements Marx

Cindy Lyon Guidry said on August 23rd, 2010 at 8:13 pm :

I worked for Allegheny from 1967 to 1983 and all these mergers wer very interesting. This web site is great.

Guy Ullman said on August 23rd, 2010 at 8:18 pm :

Please include Altair Airlines (Died Nov 9th 1982) It was Philadelphia based and operated F-28’s and DC-9’s. thank you

Brooks said on August 23rd, 2010 at 9:09 pm :

Don’t forget World Airways operating out of Oakland, CA. Their hangar (could hold 4 B-747s) is still there after having been leased by UAL for a few years (1988-2002) mostly to perform “Section 41″ overhauls on early 747s. Unfortunately, most of the heavy maintenance is now outsourced to Asian countries - China.

Dave Moreau said on August 23rd, 2010 at 10:46 pm :

How about Regional or Commuter carriers such as Henson Airlines? That list might grow too large though!

Great site…enjoyed seeing former airline paint jobs on these aircraft.

bill bailey said on August 23rd, 2010 at 11:04 pm :

In my humble opinion, PA went under with deregulation. When I hired on with EAL in ‘63, we only had two flag carriers; PA and TW. TWA had some good domestic routes that helped feed their int’l markets. PA did not. In 1978, same year as deregulation, NA came up for sale. Several airlines bid on it, including EA. CAB ruled in favor of PA due to route conflicts NA/EA, and PA’s argument that they needed online domestic feed. True enough, but NA route structure wasn’t up to it, and PA closed many of the smaller NA markets soon after acquisition. They correctly understood their problem, but bought an airline that wasn’t the solution. Because of its larger domestic feed, TW outlived PA, who lasted as long as they did by selling off assets. The fatal blow was struck in 1978, it just took a long time to reach its inevitable conclusion.

alastair robertson said on August 24th, 2010 at 7:34 am :

This came in overnight and I had a very quick look before leaving for work. What a great project!
Being a Brit I am not familiar with all the airlines but I do remember my first trans-atlantic flight in a Connie of Capital Airlines from Gatwick via Shannon and Gander to New York - something like 26 hours if I remember correctly. I fell in love with the Connie and have remained in love with her sleek lines ever since. The date was the summer of 1964.

Lorrie Lang said on August 24th, 2010 at 9:24 am :

When you mentioned that Western was known as the Champagne Airline, what really caught everyone’s attentions were our adds that had the “Wally Bird” sitting on the tail saying, “Western Airlines, The Only Way To Fly” (and he, the bird, would be sipping a glass of champagne or smoking a cigar) and of course one of our destinations would flash across the screen. We also had fun with the “Flub Stubs”. If we made a mistake and the passenger caught it, he was given a “Flub Stub” to redeme for a drink, etc.

Thanks, Lorrie Taylor Lang, Flight Attendant
1966 - 2000, WAL & DAL

Elaine Gbur Long said on August 24th, 2010 at 11:39 am :

Sure did enjoy Flying down Memory Lane on Central & Frontier Airlines. When is the next DFW Reunion? Great pictures of old friends. Is anyone else still working from the Central Class of 1965? I am with Expressjet Airlines that was just bought out by Sky West and will merge with Atlantic Southeast Airlines in 2011.
A big Thank You for a Wonderful Website!

Steve Gustafson said on August 24th, 2010 at 11:39 am :

Nicely done. I hope you can continue to add the many other other by-gone airlines.

julie said on August 24th, 2010 at 12:47 pm :

This is a great website! Does anyone remember Dolphin Air?

Benny said on August 24th, 2010 at 12:56 pm :

Amazing how many airlines came and went. I remember arriving here from the Philippines in 1972 by, now defunct, CPAir under their “fly now pay later” program.

Capt. Arthur Speegle said on August 24th, 2010 at 1:41 pm :

I noted there are a lot of conflicting statements about Texas International(TXI), Pan Am(PAA), National(NAL) and Continental(CAL). This is the story as I remember it. After a manipulated strike in the winter of 1974 into 1975 at TXI which is money losing time for most carriers. TXI collected money from the Mutual Aid Pact(MAP). The MAP is a program established by the Carriers to pay a striking carrier sums of money while they are on strike. TXI took this money and bought a controlling interest in NAL. They then sold the stock to PAA at a healthy profit. The next major move TXI made was to buy controlling interest in CAL and merge the two under the Continental banner. I was there during that period of time and thats the way I saw it.

ken zask said on August 24th, 2010 at 2:04 pm :

That is one great history course. Don’t forgwet Overseas National Airways (ONA) . aand also the helicopter airlines NYA , Chicago Airways and Los Angelas Airways

Thanks again
Ken Zask

Joe Chriss said on August 24th, 2010 at 5:16 pm :

All American Aviation Co. became All American Airways and then Allegheny Airlines, as an airmail service from 5-12-39 to 1949 when passenger service began and didn’t change the name until 10-27-79. Allegheny merged with Lake Central (11-12-49 to 6-30-68) & Mohawk (4-6-45 to 4-11-72) eventually changing it’s name on 10-28-79 to USAir only to become US Airways in 1996. An additional merge was with PSA and Piedmont in 1989, then one year later service to Europe was started. American West acquired this entire group in 2005 moved from Washington, DC to Tempe, Arizona keeping the established and global name recognition. This brief history should set the record straight. I had the privilege of flying for this fine company from 1962 to 1994, and as a Captain for 27 years. They even issued me a wife . . . who worked as a F/A for 18 years. Thanks for the opportunity to share. Maggie & Joe Chriss —-24 August 2010

Don said on August 24th, 2010 at 5:23 pm :

Does anyone recall MGM, flew 727 with 67 or 70 seats. Based out of LAX, they served LAS, and LGA. My wife was a res supervisor in LA

OJ said on August 24th, 2010 at 6:15 pm :

J Border-you’ve got it a–backwards. North Central & Southern merged to become Republic, then merged with Hughes Air West and kept the Republic name. Then Republic was taken over by NWA who was taken over by DL. Huges Air West came from the West Cast, Pacific, Bonanza merger. North Central was known as Wisconsin Central which was the first airline to fly a NFL team (Green Bay Packers)…..in 1941.

O J said on August 24th, 2010 at 6:38 pm :

I was happy to see a commenter on here by the name of Bob Hardisty, a Captain with CO. I was with CO for 23 years……loved every minute of it. CO had a program in which a member of management was on board the A/C. We were called Directors of Passenger Service. We were problem solvers mainly. We sold tickets, booked reservations for hotels, rent-a-cars, and future floghts. Etc., etc., Best job I’ve ever had.

Howard Meyers said on August 24th, 2010 at 8:56 pm :

I believe you forgot to list Aeromar, another organization operatiing out of corrosian corner in Miami owned by the Fine family operaing under a Dominican certificate. Yours truly began his airline career after serving in the Air Corps during WW-11 Korea and finally Vietnam. Hired on by The Flying Tigers in 1955 (C-46 cp-pilot) Furloughed after several months, luckily Riddle Airlines was hireing in 1956 and was accepted as CP C-46 and was based in Canada for the Dew Line construction sites, also received C-46 type rateing. Furloughed again and managed to obtain FE certificate, for which Continental Airlines hired me in1958 and completed my FE training based in El Paso DCp-7 type. resilgned Continental and was hired by National Air Lines in 1959 based in Miami. Joined Mackay Airlines as DC-3 CP in 1959, Resigned Mackay to accept a Captains slot with Dominican Airlines C-46 DC-3 position in 1960. Recalled by Riddle in 1960 and continued on with Riddle qualifying in the DC-7, L-100, DC-8, 727 remaining there by my own choice till financial problems caused Riddle (Now Airl;ift) to close its doors in 1980. Hired on with Aeromar Airlines in 1983 (DC-8) flew till my 60th birthday then resigned ti acceot a Position with Aaudia Air flying DC-8 for the pilgrimage. I made many mistakes in opting to remain in one spot all due to the ever increasing family I started late in life.

Phil Dean said on August 24th, 2010 at 10:11 pm :

Since you reference various female firsts in the airline industry throughout, I thought youu might like to add to the list with North Central Airlines. Sometime in early 1979 when I was a new-hire at American, based in Chicago. an article appeared in an Ohare employee newspaper, (possibly one of the Chicago newspapers), about a flight on North Central Airlines crewed by an all female crew. The article included a photo of the captain and the first officer, both female, seated in the cockpit. You may wish to research.

O J said on August 24th, 2010 at 10:29 pm :

Jared Howe is really messed up. Frank Lorenzo did the same thing to CO. This guy was a real crook!!!! CO did not get a thing out of the EA deal. I had a lot of friends at both airlines, and they were comrads all fighting Frank. The CO people all ready went through Franls BS, and tried to help EA people as much as they could. Frank sold everything of value at CO before EA entered the scene. The Flight Kitchens, the computer system, the flight planning system, etc. He set up dummy corporations to buy these items, then charged CO a fee to use the services. He charged CO more for a flight plan than he charged WAL. And, it was CO’s to start with. C’mon, Jared, check the facts before you type……better yet, check with some of your former co-workers at EA. CO was put into Chapter 11 by Lorenzo, and they had $80 mil in the bank. He took $30 mil from the CO retirement fund. I know. I was the PHX rep for CO’s Agent Advisory Council.

susie said on August 24th, 2010 at 11:20 pm :

Sorry Nancy but I’m in the dark cause I have no clue about what you’re talking about?

John Wentling said on August 24th, 2010 at 11:32 pm :

Joe Criss - Thanks for getting it correct. I started with Lake Central Airlines in Lima, Ohio in 1965 and retired with US Airways in Charlotte, NC in 2001. Your mergers and dates are totally correct. John

Jan Wells said on August 25th, 2010 at 12:28 am :

Pacific Northwest (PNA) is not mentionned. They merged into Western Airlines.

Ross Aimer said on August 25th, 2010 at 4:21 am :

May I add a few airlines worth mentioning.
(I flew for them and a dozen others!)
Maverick International “World’s Greatest Bull Shipper” flew 707 Freighters from Stewart Field, NY KSWF to various destinations around the world. (1978/79.)
Aero America also flew 707’s from SEA and BFI to HNL and GEG in 79/80. (The crooked owner Joel Rosenberg was known to re-surface every few years and sell a bunch of tickets then declare Chapter 11!)
Hawaii Express “The Big Pineapple” stared 747 operation from LAX to HNL in 1982. Later switched to DC-10s. A great airline that became the target of a hostile takeover by a couple of attorneys who ultimately took it into bankruptcy.
Another one I’d like to forget was Rosenbaum Aviation who flew DC-8-63/73s for Emery and ABX Air Freight. I flew a few months for them while mostly half asleep!

Historically,
Capt. Ross “Rusty” Aimer (UAL Ret.)
CEO
Aviation Experts, LLC
Currently a pilot for JetSuite Air
http://www.JetSuiteAir.com

Sam Parks said on August 25th, 2010 at 9:52 am :

Great history lesson. Read all the comments. You can “feel” the history bleeding from the screen. Working for an airline was a “passion” for many. Airline industry resembles giant swiriling pool or hurricane full of wonderful people. Imagine how many hundreds of thousands of hours were spent stareing out the windshield for the pilots. How many “miles” were walked up and down a 24″ isle for F/A’s! What stories can be told!!

I saw Morris Air mentioned only once. Started as Morris Air Charter with PDX, SEA, SLC pilot bases crewed by Ryan Air Pilots and more I can’t remember. Became Morris Air, certificated in only 90 days thanks in part to an “old man” named Usto Schultz! Unprecidented in airline ’start ups’! (at least that’s what we were told!) Operated 3 years. (+/-) Absolute most fun you could have with your clothes on! Bought by Southwest Airlines Company merger date 1/1/94. Many F/A’s (sadly) not picked up. Pilots were “stapled” to bottom of seniority list as opposed to “alternative” of “don’t let the door hit you in the butt on the way out!” Several didn’t! Acquisition (IMO) was a good business decision over long run. Over the years many “potential” good acquisitions were killed when it came to senority list mergers. Many lives affected.

One last. “Maverick Airways” operated in ‘73-’75 from SAT to EGP (Eagle Pass, Texas) Part 135 “scheduled service” owned by a local banker. Two flights a day operating (wait for it!!) a single engine Cherokee 6. Five passenger w/minimum baggage. Hour and ten minute flight. No approach at EGP. Fortunately AM radio station was near runway! (uhh no of course not…we would never fly a “made up approach”!) Operated about two years. Freight dried up and so did company. Just another “stick” on the funeral pyre of aviation history!

John said on August 25th, 2010 at 10:07 am :

Eastern Air Lines,,,what a great company. Lots of folks are quick to blame Lorenzo about the demise of the company. Had Labor/Management
or Management/Labor resolved their issues in the first place it never would have reached Lorenzo’s desk. Let’s see, how many years did both groups bang heads about work rules/cost issues…Worked for 20yrs with EAL…many fond memories of the company and 99% of the dedicated employees. The other 1% knows who they are and what they did to this company.

kirk.c. said on August 25th, 2010 at 12:26 pm :

HAS ANYONE THOUGHT OF NAMING ALL THE ” BAD PRESIDENTS AND CEO’S THAT RAN THE AIRLINES INTO THE GROUND? MOST OF WHICH WERE NOT EVEN AIRLINE PEOPLE.

Steve said on August 25th, 2010 at 12:27 pm :

In the 1960 or so, Purdue University had an airline called PAC. I think it was Purdue Aeronautical Corp.

Paul Carroll said on August 25th, 2010 at 1:41 pm :

Does it count if the airline never got off the ground? Family Airlines, HQ in Las Vegas, had possession of several 747’s ready to fly MIA, JFK, LAX in 1992. One was even painted, but the developer turned out to be a crook.

Joe Williams said on August 25th, 2010 at 1:57 pm :

I worked for 4 airlines; started with Braniff in 1977 & then went to work for Muse Air in 1981 which sold out to WN that changed the name to TranStar & then went to work for NWA in 1988 and left there in 2003.

James B. Lawrence said on August 25th, 2010 at 4:19 pm :

Hi,

A dear airline colleague forward your fine overview. I was impressed. Very much so. I also like your no-nonsense printing of mistakes you might have printed. A very nice touch.
James B. Lawrence
(formally vice president/’Sr. vice president Braniff Airways; VP Continental Airlines/EVP WRG advertising handling Co account; Senior VicePresident Air France.
p.s RE BN I did not know the little fact about South Park - Will look for it

Neal said on August 25th, 2010 at 4:40 pm :

What about the Trump Shuttle?

Neal said on August 25th, 2010 at 4:42 pm :

Chicago Air was acquired by Midstate Airlines of Stevens Point, Wisconsin.

Betty Bolden said on August 25th, 2010 at 4:55 pm :

I still have an Allegheny Airlines sweatshirt! I remember back in the ’70’s everyone kiddingly referred to it as Agony Airlines.

Thanks for the memories. I had forgotten about many of these airlines.

tom eldridge said on August 25th, 2010 at 6:46 pm :

what happened to modernair? It was I believe based in miami and had a separate internal route system in west germany. they operated convair 880s and 990s on the german routes some of the female flight attendaants were topless ps Iblieve the 880s were then the fastess civil jet aircraft in service

Hrnry Ruehle said on August 25th, 2010 at 6:52 pm :

What happened to Northwest Orient ?
(rebranded Northwest Airlines)

Sig Gustafsson said on August 25th, 2010 at 8:04 pm :

A nice site to remind us of the good old days, and the event travel used to be. They said it would get better but who can forget the silver service of Pan Am and Braniff International. Didn’t happen.

It might be interesting to put the list in the a chronological order or when that the airline went out of operation so we can remember this sequense of mostly sad events. Just an idea.

Jim Pitts said on August 25th, 2010 at 8:51 pm :

Outstanding!! I joined QANTAS in ‘59 in HNL, the Continental (LAX & HNL) then USAir in BOS. Fond memories after 37 yrs. Catalina Airlines flew from Long Beach Airport to Avalon Bay with sea planes (landed in the Harbor) and was owned by the same guy the operated the SS Catalina Steam Ship from San Pedro to Catalina in the summer. When flying with the Air Force during the Korean Conflict we used to crew rest on Wake Island enroute to TYO and stayed in TALOA (Trans Ocean Airlines) quarters with the crews from Tiger, Seaboard Western, ONA (Overseas National) Pacific and others. Had great times there. One airline you left out was South Pacific that flew from HNL to PPT (Tahiti) in the late 50″s and early 60’s with Lockheed 749 A/C. One correction, PSA started out with DC 3’s and DC 4’s. It was Air California, HQD in Newport Beach that started out with the 1011’s that they bought from QANTAS. I have rambled on but love this site. Thanks Jim

Vicky said on August 25th, 2010 at 9:05 pm :

What about ATA airlines? 1973-2008
Had the largest military contract and No accidents in their 35 years of service.

Ray N said on August 25th, 2010 at 9:22 pm :

Flew in and out of Ft Polk LA a number of times on Trans Texas Air - somewhat affectionatly known as Tree Top Air - they claimed to have the best safety record with never a crash

Dan Kelley, Jr. said on August 25th, 2010 at 10:45 pm :

I never saw the original information, but I was a member of the 9th class of pilots hired by People Express Airlines in Septemberof 1981. We were all based at EWR. We had 10 B-737-100 and 200 series a/c, 101 pilots, and 300 f/a’s when I was hitred.
I checked out in the 737 and the 727. Only a family illness prevented my adding the 747 to my ticket, also. It was a fun place to work and to begin an airline career. When I left in 1987 (after the arrival of Lorenzo and his scab contingent), I was #101 out of about 1400 pilots on the seniority list. Also, we had grown to about 70 a/c sporting the PEX logo.

Jim Tang said on August 26th, 2010 at 5:59 am :

If you’re researching California commuters, there’s Swift Aire Lines out of San Luis Obispo (SBP) - 1969-1981. Started with Piper Navajos, upgraded to DeHavilland Herons, then Aerospatiale ND262 Nords, and closed down while flying the Nords and Fokker F-27s. There’s even a book called “Swift Aire Lines” published in 1979 and still available on the used market.

Also Apollo Airways/Pacific Coast Airlines out of Santa Barbara (SBA). I think the years were 1975-1985, flying Handley Page Jetstreams with dinky little French Turbomeca Astazou turboprop engines that resembled pencils while producing a decent amount of ESHP.

Golden West was mentioned by others. You might also mention Justin Collin’s failed attempt at Golden Gate Airlines out of Monterey (I think the identifier is MRY). Started with Metro IIs as Gem State Airlines in Idaho, bought the DHC-7 Air Pacific operation in Oakland and moved to MRY to start his California adventure. I believe it went from 1979 to 1981, and during that time he managed to buy and then take Swift Aire down with him.

On the other hand, cataloging the hundreds of failed commuter airlines could tax even the capabilities of the internet.

Jim Pitts said on August 26th, 2010 at 7:10 am :

Correction, I screwed up. Air California original flew Lockheed Electras aquired from QANTAS..not L 1011’s . Sorry, I’m getting older and, by the way, the DPS program at Continental Airlines was a great program. Many of the DPS’s went on to be Sales Reps. ( The Proud Bird With The Golden Tail)
Jim

Patty said on August 26th, 2010 at 9:04 am :

Great Job and thanks for the memories use to fly on Capital when I was a kid as my dad worked there and then went on to United. I worked for Republic and then on to NWA all my brothers and sisters and husband now work for all different airlines and I am retired. Great pics!

Chip Mull said on August 26th, 2010 at 10:45 am :

You missed Wien Air Alaska. It was one of the most historic airline ever

Art said on August 26th, 2010 at 12:39 pm :

Another Airline Gone!
I was VP Marketing, Public Relation for MGM Grand Air LAX-JFK-LAX start up. (Kirk Kerkorian) We purchased 3 727-100’s and outfitted the aircraft with 33 seats, very posh. A fare structure the same as First Class fares on the major carriers. From my background in the airline business CO 23 yrs, SW 2 years, Muse 3 years, A contact of mine from PAA sold us the JFK slot and we were in business. These were days when networking helped. We received some of the business from other contacts I had with reservations managers from the all the major Airlines, AA,UA,TWA,DL. We got there overflow of First Class passengers. Along with our regular bookings and with only 33 seats per flight to fill, two flights a day we of course had the highest load factor for any start up Airline from day one. After one year a new president was brought in. He had expansion plans that would take the airline down and he eventually did! This was his second airline failure. I resigned shortly after he arrived since I was not in agreement with his plans. so “another one bites the dust”.

dave said on August 26th, 2010 at 12:42 pm :

jimbo in yyz said on August 26th, 2010 at 1:20 pm :

Think there are yet more missing (my scroll reading is not the best so they may have been mentioned).. Buffalo Airlines International charter, Transtar (Texas based), Royal Hawaiian Air Service (small prop service in paradise), Pilgrim Airlines (based in New England). As some people mentioned some international carriers that possibly served US markets, and being Canadian, here are a few from north of the border; Nordair, Pacific Western, CP Air then by the name of Canadian Airlines International, Quebecair, Eastern Provincial, Transair (Manitoba based), Air Toronto, Air Ontario, Air Alliance, Air Nova, Ontario Express, City Express, Great Lakes Airlines, Time Air, Odyssey Airlines charter, Jetsgo, Nationair charter, Roots Air, Royal and no doubt I have forgotten others. Keep the updates coming, makes for some interesting reading down memory lane!

karen said on August 26th, 2010 at 1:22 pm :

Jet America Airlines flew from 1981 through 1987. It had an all MD-80 flew and was based in Long Beach, CA. It was eventually bought and merged into Alaska Airlines.

Cord Leih said on August 26th, 2010 at 2:01 pm :

I didn’t see any comment on Markair. I have a friend that flew for them.

Bruce said on August 26th, 2010 at 2:38 pm :

You may want to add World Arways pot of Oakland, CA http://www.worldairways.com/heritage.php

Thanks

Don in the Desert said on August 26th, 2010 at 4:11 pm :

I haven’t read all the comments but I think you might have left out Trump Air? if so I’ll bet The Donald’s Ego will be hurt for sure….

Bob therrien said on August 26th, 2010 at 6:53 pm :

There are a lot missing here. Mark Air, Pride Air,

Ned Dolan said on August 26th, 2010 at 11:50 pm :

I can send you a pix of one of our aircraft if you let me know where to send it.

USAfrica Airways
US Africa Airways was a United States based airline that operated flights between Washington Dulles International Airport (then called Dulles International Airport) and Johannesburg in starting in June, 1994.[1] Flights refueled in the Cape Verde Islands. Later, once a week flights were added to Cape Town, which also refueled in the Cape Verde Islands.
The airline was the first U.S. airline flying only international routes since the U.S. airline industry was deregulated in 1978.
The airline operated flights from June 1994 to February 3, 1995. [2] It leased two McDonnell Douglas MD-11 aircraft from American Airlines, registered as N1757A and N1757B.

M De Venuta said on August 27th, 2010 at 12:28 am :

Bahamas Air - flew it several times from National Airport (DC) to Nassau. Looks like you’re only looking for US Airlines - not sure if Bahamas Air was Inc. in the Bahamas or U.S.

Martin said on August 27th, 2010 at 12:30 am :

Air Micronesia was a part of Continental Airlines - does it still exist? Not certain if it was considered a U.S. carrier.

Mike O'Brien said on August 27th, 2010 at 2:39 am :

AirCal did not cease operations, it was purchased whole by AAL, and as a matter of fact, was asked to stop hiring pilots just a few months before the official take-over by AAL. At the merge AirCal was doing very well, and AAL took pilots, aircraft, routes, employees, and management into the AAL family.

doug walsh said on August 27th, 2010 at 3:18 am :

great stuff,
you missed Trans Caribbean bought by American
Carib Air bought by Eastern

Doug

Henry Best said on August 27th, 2010 at 7:25 am :

God, I love this site. Two questions. First, when Lorenzo took down Continental the story was that two employees dressed up like ninjas and armed were arrested outside of Lorenzo’s home planning to kill him. Is that true? Next, what about Air America? The overt/covert CIA airline?

Ken said on August 27th, 2010 at 8:54 am :

I worked for EAL for 20 years (1969-1989) and wholeheartedly agree with John. While Frank Lorenzo certainlt did not help EAL, he was a symptom, not the root cause of Eastern’s demise.

Starting with Eddie Rickenbackers misinformed decision not to invest in jets, which lead to a VERY expensive purchase or jet delivery positions, EAL was asddled with a huge amount on long term debt and an extremely contentious relationship with its unions.

EAL was filled with skilled professionals and I miss the company, but given current conditions, don’t miss working at an airline - it is not the same business in which I started in 1969.

Great site - love the history and all the comments.

Nick Olson said on August 27th, 2010 at 9:01 am :

Nice work. You show West Coast and Bonanza going into Hughes Airwest but have no entries for them.

Dave said on August 27th, 2010 at 9:09 am :

Wonderful reading!
I myself worked in the airline business for a period of 33 years. First for British United Airways at Gatwick Airport, London. Then on to Pan American World Airways at Heathrow, London. After that, with Iran Air, London, then Finnair, London, and finally with Saudi Arabian Airlines in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. What a terrific field of work we had!!! Loved it!!
Nothing better. My regards to all my ex colleagues.

Karen said on August 27th, 2010 at 12:06 pm :

I think it would be nice if Chalk Airways was included. To my understanding it was one of the oldest airlines and it operated seaplanes from Biscayne Bay in Miami to the Florida Keys.

I rode on it from Key West to Miami and it was a blast!

george flavell said on August 27th, 2010 at 12:52 pm :

A couple that I did not see, United States Overseas Airlines (USOA) and Artic Pacific; also I beleive PSA started with the DC-4 aircraft before they ever had Electras. It is a pleasure to connect with site and refresh the names and times; some might be interested in a book that has been published and follows a pilot from first flight to retirement that has good reviews from pilots. “Adventure of Becoming an Airline Pilot”. Avail on Amazon, get used for low price or Audio download very cheap. I am that pilot.

C. R. Thompson said on August 27th, 2010 at 4:40 pm :

Did not read all the comments but assume someone mentioned Command Airlines. As I recall - New York and up the Hudson primarily in early ’80’s

Richard Cardwell said on August 27th, 2010 at 10:44 pm :

Thanks, this has gotten more confusing over the years. I’m delighted to see it clarified.

Hank F. Miller Jr said on August 28th, 2010 at 12:18 am :

This certainly brings back so many memories from my travels over the years. My family andI have taken quite a few of these defunct air lines on our many travels.I remember Tower Air Lines especially because that air line carried many military and Government personal as well as me to and from Vietnam during that conflict back in the 60s and 70s.Hank F. Miller jr. Kitakyushu City, Japan.

Tim said on August 28th, 2010 at 9:32 am :

To further update your website, I recommend reading the following book about defunct airlines. It is called “Deregulation Knockouts” by Tom Norwood. It has been published as separate editions “Round One” and “Round Two” covering the post-deregulation period. Both titles are well illustrated and provide additional detailed background information on each carrier.

Ray said on August 28th, 2010 at 10:26 am :

What about the late T.C.A.?

Harold said on August 28th, 2010 at 11:09 am :

What came of the proposed restart of Eastern Airlines for summer ‘09 ?

Jay Stewart said on August 28th, 2010 at 2:29 pm :

I’m a retiree of another defunct airline (SABENA) but worked for them in the States. I don’t think there are any of us (retirees) who haven’t worked for one or another of these carriers. Thanks for the trip down memory lane. I will try to fwd this to my old buddies.

Phil Leighton said on August 28th, 2010 at 2:34 pm :

How about some history of the 3 major helicopter scheduled airlines, CHA, SFO, NYA ?

I flew for Chicago Helicopter Airways from 1959-1962, was furloughed twice and then flew for American Airlines 1965-1992.

George Bryant said on August 28th, 2010 at 3:19 pm :

After working many years in the Airline industry, retiring in 1993, I find this site not only interesting and historical, but have also seen the names of some of the wonderful people I either worked with side by side, but those also who I knew working with other airline co’s.
When the Carter admin. dropped the C.A.B. the writing was on the wall for many of the great airlines that operated at the time and then the mergers started, some of which I was caught up in. The fortunate part of all of this was the fact that we made some great friends. Cathy Dixon can testify to this.
No matter what happened in the past, those of us blessed with the gift of working in the industry will always have a Airline Family.
My own carreer started in 1953 and ended in retirement from N.W.A with several airlines in between.

Susan Meurer said on August 28th, 2010 at 3:34 pm :

You failed to mention Jet America, started in Long Beach Ca and eventually bought by Alaska Airlines in 1987. It was in business for 6 years.

H. Schwanecke said on August 29th, 2010 at 1:04 am :

No mention of Metro based in Houston or Rio
based in Killeen, TX which initially served mostly Ft Hood personnel, but later served a number of smaller cities, plus Houston and Dallas. Also no mention of Pioneer Airlines which operated in Texas and New Mexico in late 40s and early 50s.

Rick Braun said on August 29th, 2010 at 10:57 am :

Look forward to viewing

Mark Monse said on August 29th, 2010 at 12:46 pm :

Hey, Pete Zamoyski! Email me to catch-up @ daopnlguy@yahoo.com

DR said on August 29th, 2010 at 7:40 pm :

You forgot the all B757 airline also named National Airlines from about 5/99 to 11/2002. Based in Las Vegas. Management ran us out of business Mike Conway to be exact. Also what about Rich Int’l based in Miami. Going out of business in about Labor day weekend 1996. Grand Air Airways Based in Las Vegas. Shut down in 1995 I think

kathy said on August 29th, 2010 at 9:21 pm :

For correction, United airline bought the Pacific Routes from
Pan Am in 1985, the took all the 747SP’s and a number of
Pilots and Engineers, and a few management pilots.
We flew those SP’s NON STOP JFK/NRT 14 plus hrs! The first
time United dispatch set up a flight plan, they couldn’t get it to come out as a non stop flight, One of Pan Am’s former
Management Pilots, had to call PAA dispatch to tell United to
to issue a NON STOP FLIGHT PLAN. Pan Am ran its last flight
in 1991.

Dan Duffy said on August 29th, 2010 at 11:53 pm :

Don’t forget my beloved Seaboard World Airlines. We all still get together every year for great reunions. Seaboard was bought by Flying Tigers and subsequently by FedEx. I also remenber seeing the likes of Saturn, Evergreeen, Neptune and a few others on the ramp at Anderson AFB, Guam during the Vietnam era. Thanks for a great walk down memory lane.

Edith Lauterbach said on August 30th, 2010 at 1:53 am :

Interesting bit of memorabilia: TWA was originally named Transcontinental and Western Air Lines and American had a separate division that it operated from New York to several European destinations and was suspended during World WarII. Also Philipine Airlines has not been mentioned and was flown almost exclusively by United States Army Air Corps pilots who were veterans and had flown in the Pacific during the war..

Denes said on August 30th, 2010 at 3:06 am :

Enjoyed your site very muvh.
Remembere to add Pacific East which flew from LAX/SFO to HNL and Maui.
Great people but itot managment
DjC

John R Poage said on August 30th, 2010 at 1:26 pm :

I believe Western Airlines was the first commercial airlines.

Len Hastings said on August 30th, 2010 at 5:20 pm :

re:c9omment about Pacuific Airlines, there w2as an incident in 1987 When a USAir employye boarded a PSA flight and shot The USAir Mgr, Ray Thompson. He then prceeded to the ciockpit and held a flt attndant at gun point, when the when the f/a told the cockpit crew there was a problem, Burke shot the f/a, the pilot, f/o and jumpseat rider. As the acft approached the gound, Burke shot himself thus killing all 54 pax on board. this happened just south of SFO All this over an alleged $67 theft

Ken C said on August 30th, 2010 at 9:08 pm :

In 1962 flew for what I think was one of the first code share commuters in the USA. It was called Center Airways, which used DeHaviland Doves and later Herons. We were ticketed through Contineltal Airlines and flew Martin engineers from LAX to SMX, Santa Maria, California. The passengers then drove to Vandenberg AFB and the Pacific Missle Test Range. I later went to work for Zantop Airways, flying the C-46 and then on to a great career at Delta Airlines. What a junk heap of former airlines of which I didn’t see Northern Consolidated of Alaska.

Steve Sanford said on August 30th, 2010 at 11:24 pm :

I didn’t go through all of the comments but during a perusal I could not find any comments about MarkAir. The company was a significant part of Alaska’s airline heritage and should get some comments and discussion.

ohn Brewer said on August 31st, 2010 at 8:45 am :

Texas Internatinal. I lived on it in the 60’s. One common nickname was “Teeter-Totter Airlines”. On the ground 5 hours in Abilene airport once, a dry precinct. Pilot used his captain’s perogative to declare us to be in Lubbock and opened the bar. Great airline, very friendly. Very sad it’’s gone.

ANNIE KARCINSKI said on August 31st, 2010 at 11:38 am :

Some of my favorite airlines, Braniff, NY Air, Eastern, Pan AM and my love and always in my heart - TWA….

paul said on August 31st, 2010 at 12:15 pm :

AOA, American Overseas Airlines

RBIS said on August 31st, 2010 at 3:25 pm :

Two commuter airlines come to mind.

Rio which flew in Texas.
I flew it rt from DFW to FT. Hood for an interview.

There were no auto-pilots on their planes.
Rio used Fairchild 27.

Cochise Airlines was commuter airlines operating in Arizona. The owner and CEO was Kenny Cardella, an ex-football player at the Univ. Of Arizona.

I once got one of the Cochise machanics to help fix my airplane at Tucson International in exchange for a six pack of beer for the staff.

Larry Janke said on August 31st, 2010 at 10:07 pm :

Was there an Atlanta Air that flew out of Atlanta ?

Anita Flynn said on September 1st, 2010 at 6:40 am :

Hi
You are missing PRIDE AIR out of New Orleans and NORTHEASTERN AIRLINES based in Fort Lauderdale. I worked for both of them.

Anita said on September 1st, 2010 at 6:53 am :

Great Website. Can you add Pride Air based out of New Orleans and Northestern based out of Fort Lauderdale founded by Stephen Quinto. There is also GullAir and Carribean Express.

Joe Garcia said on September 1st, 2010 at 11:56 am :

PANAGRA……I worked for National Airlines in NYC from 1965 through 1977 and remember the interchange flight 81 southbound and flight 80 northbound. National operated the flight NYC/MIA, Pan Am MIA/PTY, and PANAGRA (Pan American Grace) points south from Panama.

Bill Kwech said on September 1st, 2010 at 12:37 pm :

Very enjoyable and informative. I believe you forgot Lake Central airlines. Also being a former Capital Airlines employee. I wish to note Capital was the first carrier to bring the “turbo jet engine” to US Aviation. Your photo of the Viscount shows it.
Its a wonderful website and would make a nice history book!

Walt Mettler said on September 1st, 2010 at 12:45 pm :

Yes, ATA was defunct in 2008, I used to work as an engineer in College, it was a great company, but catered to part 135 ops (charter) and never made enough to survive. Had the last L-1011’s in USA!

Walt Mettler said on September 1st, 2010 at 12:45 pm :

Yes, ATA was defunct in 2008, I used to work as an engineer in College, it was a great company, but catered to part 135 ops (charter) and never made enough to survive. Had the last L-1011’s in USA!

NancyZawacki said on September 1st, 2010 at 12:55 pm :

How about the 2nd incarnation of National Airlines based in LAS? Our daughter flew for them for a couple of years and they were a very nice airline until put out of business after 9/11 by the government in favor of America West.

Paul said on September 1st, 2010 at 1:50 pm :

American Export Airlines. [1937] became American Overseas Airlines after WW2./Users/ptcaa/Desktop/800px-Boeing_377_Stratocruiser_(B-29)_American_Overseas_1949-50.jpg

edgar hall said on September 1st, 2010 at 2:27 pm :

A few airlines I flew as a flight radio operator in 1948-1950 were…Seaboard @Western,Trans Caribbean Airlines, Trans Ocean Airlines, Associated Air Transport (Charley Blair owned).
American Overseas National Airlines I believe was taken over by PAA prior to 1948 as Charley Blair was captain for both airlines.

Bob Therrien said on September 1st, 2010 at 3:29 pm :

Pioneer Airlines which became part of CAL. Golden west Airlines out of Orange County CA.
50s and 60s nonskeds Slick Airways, Transcontinental Airlines, Trans Ocean Airlines,Currie Air Service, McCullogh Air, Muse,

John Bernard said on September 1st, 2010 at 4:04 pm :

I worked for MAXjet for a year and a half.We flew “First Class” charters all over Europe plus sched to London from JFK and IAD.They flew three refurbished 767’s with the first class seating.It was both the predatory pricing of the competition (remember the all First Class 757 out of the UK) and the fuel that put them out.

Leila Popp said on September 1st, 2010 at 10:16 pm :

OMG who would’ve thought there would be so many. Back then there weren’t any Government bailouts. In 1958 I worked for Southwest Airways which was purchased by Howard Hughs who sold it to Northwest/Delta. Last month I purchased a ticket to MPLS from Delta and learned that I was actually flying a small jet owned by Compass Airline. Now days one doesn’t know who owns what anymore.

ART said on September 1st, 2010 at 10:38 pm :

You forgot Lake Central Airlines, out of Indianapolis, 1950-1968. DC-3, Convair 340, Convair 580, and Nord 262. Merged into Allegheny Airlines, 1968. Lake Central was founded as Roscoe Turner Airlines.

Ellen Shaw said on September 2nd, 2010 at 12:46 am :

Morris Air bought by Southwest Airlines?

Dani said on September 2nd, 2010 at 8:14 am :

Where is Northwest Airlines? It should be noted that Delta airlines acquired the carrier. I should know I am still flying except under another name and uniform.

Nov 15, 2008 | Interesting Defunct United States Airlines

Update August 22, 2010: Thank you all for your invaluable comments. I will be making a separate page that will attempt to fix all the errors you’ve mentioned as well as my omissions! Clearly there’s a lot of interest in the topic, and I really enjoy your feedback. Stay tuned - I may be able to dedicate resources to transform all of this into some sort of mini book. I will try to reach out to everyone as best I can.

Fixed error about Presidential Airlines: it did not eventually merge with Pan Am.
Added Hughes Airwest
Fixed demise information for National Airlines

Air California (AirCal)

Operated: 1967 - 1987
Cause and result of demise: Ceased operations. Acquired piecemeal by American Airlines.
Interesting fact: One marketing program used by Air California in the early to mid 1970s was to offer school field trips to Sacramento at $25 a head, where school children would be taken on a tour of the California State Capitol, Governor’s Mansion, and Sutter’s Fort.
Image courtesy of dc-9.us.

Air Florida

Operated: 1971 - 1984
Cause and result of demise: Bankruptcy, sped up by the crash of the January 13, 1982, Air Florida Flight 90 crash in Washington DC - assets obtained by Midway Airlines.
Interesting fact: Air Florida sponsored Southampton Football Club, an English Football League side, during the 1983-84 season, in which Southampton were league runners-up. The deal was cancelled after one season due to Air Florida’s insolvency.
Image courtesy of securiteaerienne.

Allegheny Airlines

(Updated August 22, 2010)
Allegheny Airlines
Operated: 1953 - October 28, 1979, started in 1939 as All-American Airways.
Cause and result demise: Rebranded as USAir, then US Airways (source)
Interesting fact: It was one of the first airlines to create an affiliated branded network of regional airline carriers operating in unison with Allegheny, which was called the Allegheny Commuter System.
Image courtesy of William Demarest.

Aloha Airlines

Operated: 1946 - 2008
Cause and result of demise: Chapter 11 bankruptcy, transfer of operations to Aloha Air Cargo.
Interesting fact: On April 28, 1988 Aloha Airlines Flight 243 was a scheduled Boeing 737-297 flight between Hilo and Honolulu in Hawaii. The aircraft suffered extensive damage after an explosive decompression in flight, but was able to land safely at Kahului Airport on Maui. The safe landing of the aircraft with such a major loss of integrity was unprecedented and remains unsurpassed.

Aloha Airlines

Braniff International Airways

Braniff International Airways
Operated: 1928 - 1982
Cause and result of demise: Bankruptcy. Some flights scheduled to leave on May 12, 1982, at Dallas Fort Worth Airport were actually forced to disembark, being told that their airline no longer existed.
Interesting fact: A Braniff plane and logo always appear after the closing credits in the South Park cartoon series. With the slogan : “Braniff - Believe It!”

Capital Airlines

Capital Airlines
Operated: 1941 - 1961. (Had its origins as Pennsylvania Central Airlines from 1936)
Cause and result of demise: Merged into United Airlines
Interesting fact: In 1948, the first airborne television was installed on a Capital airplane.

Central Airlines

Central Airlines
Operated: 1949 - 1967
Cause and result of demise: Bankruptcy. Sold to Frontier Airlines.
Interesting fact: Former president of Venezuela Laurence Lau was present on the maiden flight.
Image courtesy of Paul Freeman.

Chicago Air

Chicago Air
Operated: 1985 - 1986
Cause and result of demise: Ceased service.
Interesting fact: It operated six Fokker F27 aircraft, and the call sign was “Wild Onion” in reference to the Chippewa Indian derivation of the name “Chicago.”
Image courtesy of David Oates.

Eastern Airlines

Eastern Airlines
Operated: 1926-1991
Cause and result of demise: Bankruptcy
Interesting fact: An Ex-Airline Executive is set on purchasing the airline back under the original Eastern name, with the main hub being in MIA. It hopes to begin operations in the summer of 2009.

Empire Airlines

Empire Airlines
Operated: 1976 - 1985
Cause and result of demise: Purchased by Piedmont (see below), then USAir.
Image courtesy of Richard Silagi.

Frontier Airlines

Operated: 1950 - 1986
Cause and result of demise: Bankruptcy. It re-emerged as the current Frontier Airlines in 1994 from executives of the old airline.
Interesting fact: Frontier Airlines made history when they hired Emily Howell Warner on January 29, 1973. She was the first female airline pilot hired by a U.S. commercial airline.
Image courtesy of Old Frontier Airlines Collection.

Hughes Airwest

(Updated August 18, 2010)

Operated: 1968 - 1980
Cause and result of demise: Purchased by Republic Airlines in 1980.
Interesting fact: Hughes Airwest’s predecessor was Air West, which itself was a merger of Pacific Air Lines, Bonanza Air Lines and West Coast Airlines. TWA’s former owner and aviator Howard Hughes bought and rebranded the fleet in 1970. The unique yellow paint earned them the nickname of “Flying Bananas”, which they then turned into a company catchphrase: “Top Banana in the West”.

Kiwi International Airlines

Kiwi International Airlines
Operated: 1992 - 1999
Cause and result of demise: Bankruptcy. In 1997, a medical doctor Dr. Charles Edwards tried to revive the airline (with an investment of nearly $20,000,000 of his own money), but idea was sadly abandoned.
Interesting fact: Kiwi International Air Lines enjoyed a flawless safety record and near perfect dispatch reliability rate of 99.6% in its expansion.
Image courtesy of A. J. Best.

Midway Airlines

Midway Airlines
Operated: 1976 - 1991. Began operations on November 1979.
Cause and result of demise: Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
Interesting fact: Some of the signature inflight service items were after-dinner chocolate wafer mints and hot hand towels to the entire cabin, both of which had originally caught on with Midway’s business clientele.
Image courtesy of Frank C. Duarte.

Mohawk Airlines

Operated: 1945 - 1972
Cause and result of demise: Labor issues and strikes caused it to consider merger with Allegheny (see below), later USAir.
Interesting fact: On February 11, 1958, Ruth Carol Taylor was hired by Mohawk Airlines, becoming the first African-American flight attendant in the United States. In 1961, it became the first airline to use a centralized computer based reservation service. In 1965, it became the first regional airline to utilize flight simulators.
Image courtesy of Tom Hildreth.

Muse Air

Muse Air
Operated: 1981 - 1987
Cause and result of demise: Liquidated by Southwest and renamed TranStar Airlines in 1985, and ceased operations in 1987.
Interesting fact: Started up by founder and one time president of Southwest Airlines, Marion Lamar Muse, it prohibited smoking on the plane long before federal regulations enforced it.
Image courtesy of lamarmuse.

National Airlines

(Updated August 18, 2010)

Operated: 1934 - 1980
Cause and result of demise: Texas International Airlines offered to buy National in 1978, but they opted instead to merge with Pam Am in 1980. Deregulation as well as high costs for the acquisition would eventually lead to Pam Am’s demise.
Interesting fact: In 1964, National became the first exclusively jet powered service in the United States. To supplement their branding and image (their logo was the Sun King, owing to the fact that they were based in Miami, Florida), they opened a terminal at JFK called the Sundrome in 1970.
Image courtesy of Tom Hildreth.

New York Air

Operated: 1980-1987
Cause and result demise: Financial, acquired by Continental
Interesting fact: New York Air was well known for its onboard bagged snacks, known as the “The Flying Nosh”, from the Yiddish word nash, “to eat sweets, nibble on”.

North Central Airlines

North Central Airlines
Operated: 1952 - 1979
Cause and result of demise: Merged with Southern Airways to become Republic Airlines, which became part of Northwest Airlines, which is now part of Delta.
Interesting fact: It had its origins in 1939, when the Four Wheel Drive Company (FWD), a major manufacturer of four-wheel transmissions and heavy-duty trucks based in Clintonville, Wisconsin, opened a flight department and traded a company truck for a WACO biplane for their company’s use.

Northeast Airlines

(added August 16, 2010)

Northeast Airlines
Operated: 1931 - 1972
Cause and result of demise: Merged with Delta on August 1, 1972.
Interesting fact: Northeast was perhaps most famous for its dramatic “Yellowbird” campaign where its new delivery of Boeing 727-200 in 1967 were painted white and yellow. Its humble beginnings were as Boston-Maine Airways, which operated out of Boston, and was a joint venture between Boston and Maine Railroad and Maine Central Railroad.
Photo by Bruce Drum.

Ozark Airlines

(added August 16, 2010)
Ozark Airlines
Operated: September 1950 - October 1986
Cause and result of demise: Merged with TWA.
Interesting fact: It operated a special toll-free number based in New Jersey between the 60s and 80s that required asking the telephone operator for number WX-8300. Also, comedian George Carlin once acted as a spokesperson for the airline.
Photo courtesy of AirNikon.

Pacific Air Lines / Southwest Airways

(added August 16, 2010)

Operated: 1946 - 1968
Cause and result of demise: Purchased by Howard Hughes to form Hughes Airwest, which was bought by Republic Airlines in 1980, which was bought by Northwest in 1986, which merged with Delta in 2009/2010.
Interesting fact: Pacific Air Lines Flight 773 crashed near San Ramon, CA on May 7, 1964, after a distressed passenger shot both the pilot and co-pilot before turning the gun on himself, causing the plane to crash and killing all 44 aboard. This was likely the first ever instance of a pilot being shot by a passenger. Pacific also launched a controversial ad campaign in 1967 designed to play upon passenger’s fears of flying. Flight attendants apparently handed out “survival kits” featuring hot-pink lunch pails containing a small security blanket, a “lucky” rabbit’s foot, the best-selling book “The Power of Positive Thinking”, and a fortune cookie containing the slogan “It could be worse. The pilot could be whistling ‘The High and the Mighty’.”
Photo by RuthAS.

Pacific Southwest Airlines

Pacific Southwest Airlines
Operated: 1949 - 1988
Cause and result demise: Financial, merged with USAirways, now reincarnated as commuter affiliate.
Interesting fact: With the slogan “The World’s Friendliest Airline,” PSA was known for its sense of humor and its recognizable trademark was a smile painted on the nose of each plane and an accompanying ad campaign declaring “Catch Our Smile.” After PSA was bought by USAir, ex-PSA mechanics would occasionally paint smiles on USAir planes as a joke.
Image courtesy of catchoursmile.com.

Pan American World Airways

PanAm Airlines
Operated: 1927 - 1991
Cause and result of demise: Bankruptcy, remaining assets acquired by Delta Air Lines.
Interesting fact: During the mid-1970s, there were two Pan Am flights operated around the world to set or break previous around-the-world flying records. Liberty Bell Express broke the commercial plane around-the-world record with 46 hours, 50 seconds, making only two stopovers during the journey, one in New Delhi and the other in Tokyo-Haneda. The other was over the North Pole using the Clipper New Horizons, which was actually the same plane as the Liberty Bell Express, and took 54 hours, 7 minutes, and 12 seconds.

Peoplexpress Airlines

Peoplexpress Airlines
Operated: 1981 - 1987
Cause and result demise: Sale to Texas Air holding, integrated into Continental Airlines.
Interesting fact: The airline used a simplified fare structure whereby all seats on a given route were offered at the same price, with slight differences between “Peak” and “Off-Peak” fares. All seats were in economy class, with the exception of “Premium Class” seating on overseas flights. Fares were paid on the flight.

Piedmont Airlines

Operated: 1948 - 1989
Cause and result demise: Integrated into USAirways, and still operates as Piedmont Airlines.
Interesting fact: A original Piedmont Airlines DC-3 is located unrestored at the North Carolina Transportation Museum in Spencer, North Carolina. It still has its original paint scheme and parts.
Image courtesy of Ed Coates.

Presidential Airways

(updated August 18, 2010)
Presidential Airways
Operated: 1985 - 1989
Cause and result of demise: Merged with Colgan Air in 1986, then became a feeder airline for Continental in 1987 and United in 1988. Eventually went bankrupt.
Interesting fact: It was founded in 1985 by Harold J. (Hap) Pareti, formerly an officer at People Express, as a low-cost carrier.
Image courtesy of dc-9.us.

RenoAir

(Updated August 18, 2010)
RenoAir
Operated: 1992 - 1999
Cause and result of demise: Integrated into American Airlines.
Image courtesy of Richard Silagi.

Republic Airlines

Republic Airlines
Operated: 1979 - 1986
Cause and result of demise: Bought by Northwest Orient, which rebranded itself after the merger as Northwest.
Interesting fact: Apparently it is still possible to find a few old Republic logos around Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport and Memphis International Airport if one looks hard enough.

Southern Airways

Operated: 1949 - 1979
Cause and result of demise: Merged with North Central Airlines to become Republic Airlines.
Interesting fact: Southern Airways billed itself as the “Route of the Aristocrats.” and used the slogan “Nobody’s Second Class on Southern” in its television commercials. It was famous for its promotional shot glasses: for a time, a differently designed shot glass was issued each year. Original Southern shot glasses are valued by collectors of the airline’s memorabilia.

Texas International Airlines

(Updated August 18, 2010)

Operated: 1944 - 1982
Cause and result demise: Texas Air, a holding company, bought Continental, filed for bankruptcy, and reemerged as Continental Airlines.
Interesting fact: It was known as Trans-Texas Airways until 1969 and its acronym then allowed competitors to derisively call it “Tree Top Airlines” and “Tinker Toy Airlines”. It ran an ad campaign to counter it with a tagline: “No More Tinker Toys. No More Treetops. We are now Texas International Airlines.” It apparently remains to this day the only carrier to bring jet service to the airports in Abilene, Hot Springs, Wichita Falls, San Angelo, Roswell, Hobbs and Texarkana.

Tower Air

Operated: 1983 - 2000
Cause and result demise: Bankruptcy
Interesting fact: Tower Air was prominently featured in such movies as Liar Liar and Turbulence.

Trans World Airlines

Trans World Arlines
Operated: 1925 - 2001
Cause and result of demise: Bankruptcy, acquired by American Airlines.
Interesting fact: In the 1950s the TWA Moonliner, a futuristic exhibit that was placed by Howard Hughes, was the tallest structure at Disneyland and depicted atomic-powered travel to come in 1986.

ValuJet

ValuJet
Operated: 1993 - 1997
Cause and result of demise: ValuJet Flight 592, a McDonnell Douglas DC-9, crashed in the Florida Everglades on May 11, 1996 due to a fire caused by the activation of chemical oxygen generators that were stored in the cargo hold. The fire damaged the plane’s electrical system and eventually overcame the crew, resulting in the deaths of 110 people.
Interesting fact: In order to save itself from the damaging effects of negative publicity, it took on a reverse merger with the much smaller company AirWays Corp. (currently AirTran Holdings). It thus now operates AirTran Airways.

Western Airlines

Western Airlines
Operated: 1926 - 1986
Cause and result of demise: Merged with Delta Air Lines after failed buyout from Air Florida.
Interesting fact: During the 1970s, they promoted themselves as “the champagne airline” because champagne was offered free of charge to every adult passenger over 21 years old.

Where unmentioned, photos are from Wikipedia.

This entry was posted on Saturday, November 15th, 2008 at 6:06 pm, EST under the category of Articles. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

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Nov 15, 2008 | Interesting Defunct United States Airlines

Air California (AirCal)

Air Florida

Allegheny Airlines

Aloha Airlines

Braniff International Airways

Capital Airlines

Central Airlines

Chicago Air

Eastern Airlines

Empire Airlines

Frontier Airlines

Hughes Airwest

Kiwi International Airlines

Midway Airlines

Mohawk Airlines

Muse Air

National Airlines

New York Air

North Central Airlines

Northeast Airlines

Ozark Airlines

Pacific Air Lines / Southwest Airways

Pacific Southwest Airlines

Pan American World Airways

Peoplexpress Airlines

Piedmont Airlines

Presidential Airways

RenoAir

Republic Airlines

Southern Airways

Texas International Airlines

Tower Air

Trans World Airlines

ValuJet

Western Airlines