Air 21, aptly named to signify air travel in the 21st century, was first
announced in April 1995. Chairman, CEO, and President, Mark Morro, said
Air 21 will provide "basic, reliable jet transportation with no frills, simple
fares and no restrictions on tickets" from its Fresno, California base.
Initially, the new, low-fare jet airline planned for a fleet of Douglas DC-9s
that would operate nonstop from Fresno to San Francisco, Los Angeles,
Las Vegas, and Denver. The first flight was scheduled for August 1995.
announced in April 1995. Chairman, CEO, and President, Mark Morro, said
Air 21 will provide "basic, reliable jet transportation with no frills, simple
fares and no restrictions on tickets" from its Fresno, California base.
Initially, the new, low-fare jet airline planned for a fleet of Douglas DC-9s
that would operate nonstop from Fresno to San Francisco, Los Angeles,
Las Vegas, and Denver. The first flight was scheduled for August 1995.
In the weeks following the Air 21 announcement, Mark Morro and his team
were busy seeking investors. The corporate offices occupied former
military barracks on airport property and were sparsely furnished. The
executive team hoped to take flight only four months after breaking
press, but had not yet secured sufficient funding. The plan was to raise
$6.7 million through a common stock offering that targeted California
residents with a net worth of $250,000 and gross income of $100,000.
Air 21 hoped to issue 8.1 million shares of stock at 83 cents each.
By August 1995, there were 15 employees. Fuel contracts and insurance
policies were drafted, but fleet plans were not finalized. Air 21 hoped to
be airborne by now, but postponed the first flight for an October liftoff.
While the airline lacked funds and government approval, a sigh of relief
came when Joe Levy, CEO of Gottschalks department stores, agreed to
financially back the start-up, along with ValliCorp President, Mike
McGowan. Both were named to the airline's Board of Directors.
Fleet plan and inaugural flight details were broadcast September 1995. Air
21 had signed paperwork for 14 Fokker F-28 jets, not DC-9s as originally
planned. The F-28s had recently been retired by USAir after several
successful years of reliable service back east. Each aircraft was to be
painted purple and white, but the scheme later changed to silver and blue.
Fresno residents took note as October 25 was mentioned as the first day
of operations. The airline had dropped Denver from its initial route map
and instead touted daily nonstops to Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Las
Vegas, including a one-stop flight to Palm Springs via Las Vegas.
were busy seeking investors. The corporate offices occupied former
military barracks on airport property and were sparsely furnished. The
executive team hoped to take flight only four months after breaking
press, but had not yet secured sufficient funding. The plan was to raise
$6.7 million through a common stock offering that targeted California
residents with a net worth of $250,000 and gross income of $100,000.
Air 21 hoped to issue 8.1 million shares of stock at 83 cents each.
By August 1995, there were 15 employees. Fuel contracts and insurance
policies were drafted, but fleet plans were not finalized. Air 21 hoped to
be airborne by now, but postponed the first flight for an October liftoff.
While the airline lacked funds and government approval, a sigh of relief
came when Joe Levy, CEO of Gottschalks department stores, agreed to
financially back the start-up, along with ValliCorp President, Mike
McGowan. Both were named to the airline's Board of Directors.
Fleet plan and inaugural flight details were broadcast September 1995. Air
21 had signed paperwork for 14 Fokker F-28 jets, not DC-9s as originally
planned. The F-28s had recently been retired by USAir after several
successful years of reliable service back east. Each aircraft was to be
painted purple and white, but the scheme later changed to silver and blue.
Fresno residents took note as October 25 was mentioned as the first day
of operations. The airline had dropped Denver from its initial route map
and instead touted daily nonstops to Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Las
Vegas, including a one-stop flight to Palm Springs via Las Vegas.
With fleet confirmed and scheduled start approaching, Mark Morro's staff
spent several hours hiring and training flight crews. In-flight Manager,
Terri Ross, worked 13 hour days to meet the airline's goal.
Air 21 still needed DOT approval to accept flight reservations and was
unable to operate on the 25th as planned. However, October brought the
arrival of Air 21's first aircraft. The F-28 arrived to applause and a brass
band as the dreams of many had finally been realized.
The first flight was now on track for December 12, 1995. Airline officials
and local travel agents were overwhelmed with public demand and were
optimistic inquiries would translate into revenue. According to airline
officials, day one for booking reservations went better than planned.
As federal certification wrapped up with the last few proving runs, Air 21
offered a "Happy Holidays" fare sale that boasted $29 tickets on every
flight through January 31, 1996. Reservations were steady as Fresnans
responded well to the sale. Los Angeles had been excluded from the
launch schedule, and the first day of operation was to include Fresno, San
Francisco, Las Vegas, and Palm Springs.
spent several hours hiring and training flight crews. In-flight Manager,
Terri Ross, worked 13 hour days to meet the airline's goal.
Air 21 still needed DOT approval to accept flight reservations and was
unable to operate on the 25th as planned. However, October brought the
arrival of Air 21's first aircraft. The F-28 arrived to applause and a brass
band as the dreams of many had finally been realized.
The first flight was now on track for December 12, 1995. Airline officials
and local travel agents were overwhelmed with public demand and were
optimistic inquiries would translate into revenue. According to airline
officials, day one for booking reservations went better than planned.
As federal certification wrapped up with the last few proving runs, Air 21
offered a "Happy Holidays" fare sale that boasted $29 tickets on every
flight through January 31, 1996. Reservations were steady as Fresnans
responded well to the sale. Los Angeles had been excluded from the
launch schedule, and the first day of operation was to include Fresno, San
Francisco, Las Vegas, and Palm Springs.
The maiden flight departed at 7:10am from Gate 10 on December XX,
1995.
Now that operations were under way, Air 21 executives' next goal was to
become a public company. By offering stock to the public, the airline could
gain access to investors from around the country to help finance
ambitious expansion. The proposal to merge Air 21 with International Jet
Engine Supply of Florida, a public company, was voted on January 5th,
1996.
With the addition of aircraft and flight crews, Air 21 increased frequency
to Las Vegas and Palm Springs. The Fresno-based carrier also announced
new daily nonstops to Salt Lake City beginning February 15.
When the $29 introductory fares expired, the new fare structure was still
a low $49 each way.
1995.
Now that operations were under way, Air 21 executives' next goal was to
become a public company. By offering stock to the public, the airline could
gain access to investors from around the country to help finance
ambitious expansion. The proposal to merge Air 21 with International Jet
Engine Supply of Florida, a public company, was voted on January 5th,
1996.
With the addition of aircraft and flight crews, Air 21 increased frequency
to Las Vegas and Palm Springs. The Fresno-based carrier also announced
new daily nonstops to Salt Lake City beginning February 15.
When the $29 introductory fares expired, the new fare structure was still
a low $49 each way.
| The Air 21 Fleet |
Fokker F28-4000 - N498US - cn 11181
Photo history of N498US
Photo history of N498US
| The Air 21 Story |
Fokker F28-4000 - N496US - cn 11169
Photo history of N496US
Photo history of N496US
Fokker F28-4000 - N479AU - cn 11228
Photo history of N479AU
Photo history of N479AU
Only airborne two months, Mark Morro's airline announced three
additional cities to be served: Los Angeles, Colorado Springs, and Grand
Junction. On this same day, the airline offered two-for-one sales on
limited flights through mid-February.
That new service came to life in March 1996, when Air 21 gave Fresno Air
Terminal a mature presence. Colorado Springs, Grand Junction, and Los
Angeles flights were now operating nonstop from FAT. Total daily jet
departures stood at 16 after just three months of operation. The airport
previously handled only 3 commercial jet departures a year earlier.
additional cities to be served: Los Angeles, Colorado Springs, and Grand
Junction. On this same day, the airline offered two-for-one sales on
limited flights through mid-February.
That new service came to life in March 1996, when Air 21 gave Fresno Air
Terminal a mature presence. Colorado Springs, Grand Junction, and Los
Angeles flights were now operating nonstop from FAT. Total daily jet
departures stood at 16 after just three months of operation. The airport
previously handled only 3 commercial jet departures a year earlier.
With gas prices sky rocketing in the Spring of '96, the airline continued to
promote itself by offering roundtrip flights for $42 between Fresno and
Los Angeles or San Francisco. This fare promotion was aimed at getting
people to make the short flight, in lieu of driving, and was named the Gas
Hike Bypass Promotion.
Just one month after spreading its wings to three new destinations, Air
21 continued aggressive growth by announcing more flights. In May
1996, Fresno's hometown airline said it would add new service to
Redmond/Bend OR, Eugene OR, Seattle WA, and Monterey CA. These
four new cities would increase to 12 the total number of cities served by
Air 21.
promote itself by offering roundtrip flights for $42 between Fresno and
Los Angeles or San Francisco. This fare promotion was aimed at getting
people to make the short flight, in lieu of driving, and was named the Gas
Hike Bypass Promotion.
Just one month after spreading its wings to three new destinations, Air
21 continued aggressive growth by announcing more flights. In May
1996, Fresno's hometown airline said it would add new service to
Redmond/Bend OR, Eugene OR, Seattle WA, and Monterey CA. These
four new cities would increase to 12 the total number of cities served by
Air 21.
After five months of operation, Air 21 was flying three Fokker jets,
serving 8 cities, and passionate about growth. Unfortunately, two cities
didn't achieve success that Air 21 officials hoped for. Colorado Springs
and Salt Lake City were dropped from the route map. The airline was also
experiencing delays in gaining aircraft, so this move allowed for better
allocation of the existing aircraft. It also, however, postponed the start of
service to the Pacific Northwest.
While these new challenges seemed to be a turning point for Air 21, it
didn't stop the pursuit of increasing revenue. A $5 million charter contract
was signed which would transport gamblers to casinos in Atlantic City NJ.
The airline was also diligent about lining up passenger and baggage
transfer agreements with other airlines.
serving 8 cities, and passionate about growth. Unfortunately, two cities
didn't achieve success that Air 21 officials hoped for. Colorado Springs
and Salt Lake City were dropped from the route map. The airline was also
experiencing delays in gaining aircraft, so this move allowed for better
allocation of the existing aircraft. It also, however, postponed the start of
service to the Pacific Northwest.
While these new challenges seemed to be a turning point for Air 21, it
didn't stop the pursuit of increasing revenue. A $5 million charter contract
was signed which would transport gamblers to casinos in Atlantic City NJ.
The airline was also diligent about lining up passenger and baggage
transfer agreements with other airlines.
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| to be continued... |
Proposed
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Actual
| airplanegeek.com |