Formed at Wilmington, California, toward the end of spring 1922 to acquire the flying boat service to Santa Catalina Island previously flown by Syd Chaplin Air Line. Employing two, later three Curtiss HS-2Ls license-built by William E. Boeing and modified by Donald Douglas, Yosemite promoter Foster Curry’s carrier inaugurates twice-daily services to the island resort town of Avalon, beginning on June 4. The oneway fare is $12.50; $20 roundtrip.
By the end of 1923, both flying boats are inoperable and the company is nearly out of business.
The company is incorporated by new owner Ellard A. Bacon on August 7, 1924 and the only aviator, A. C. Brown, is appointed chief pilot. Three more HS-2Ls are acquired and a total of 1,983 passengers are transported in 1925, the first full year under Bacon’s management. Although figures for 1926 are unavailable, it is known that bookings have advanced to 4,200 in 1927.
Service is maintained until June 1928, when it is purchased by Western Air Express (WAE). Since 1922, the company has gained the reputation of offering the longest sustained passenger service in North America. Two Loening C2H Air Yachts ordered by Pacific Marine are delivered to the new owner just after the sale.
PACIFIC MIDLAND AIRLINES, LTD.: P. O. Box 505, Auckland, New Zealand; Code 2W; Year Founded 1991. Pacific Midland is formed at Masterton on New Zealand’s North Island in 1991. Revenue flights are inaugurated by Managing Director Alan Stewart’s small regional to Palmerston North, Wellington, and local destinations with a fleet of 2 Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftains.
Operations continue apace during the remainder of the decade.
World History
