Altair Airlines

Altair Airlines

IATA ICAO Callsign AK
Founded	1967
Ceased operations	1982
Fleet size	9
Headquarters	Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Key people	Henry P. Hill

Altair Airlines was an airline based in Philadelphia. It was in service from 1967 to 1982.

History

The airline was established in 1967 as a regional airline. In 1967, Altair's main shareholder was Tristram Colket and it had 587 employees.^[1] In May 1970, Altair Airlines was reported by the Civil Aeronautics Board to have the highest bumping rate.^[2] Altair attempted to return to profitability by expanding their services to new hubs along the East Coast and by taking on a fleet of DC-9 jets but profits never were able to outpace the debts incurred. In November 1982, Altair owed more than one million dollars in jet fuel costs to Gulf Oil Corporation who, after a protracted period of negotiating, demanded immediate payment. Altair had little choice but to seek legal protection. In 1982, Altair filed for bankruptcy due to its many debts.^[3] Its last president was Henry P. Hill. Many of Altair's dedicated employees found employment at other airlines with facilities at Philadelphia International Airport.

Fleet

When it ceased operations in November 1982, Altair Airlines had a fleet of six Fokker F28-4000s and three McDonnell Douglas DC9-30s.

References

1. "World airline directory: Altair". Flight International. Reed Business Information Ltd. 1982-04-03. Archived from the original on 2009-03-08. Retrieved 2009-03-08.
2. "Altair Airlines Has Highest Bumping Rate". The Hartford Courant. Tribune Company. 1979-08-13. Retrieved 8 March 2009.
3. "Altair Suspends Its Flights – Phila. Airline Files for Bankruptcy". The Philadelphia Inquirer. Philadelphia Media Holdings LLC. 1982-11-10. Retrieved 8 March 2009.