PACIFIC AMERICAN AIRLINES: United States (1976-1982). In 1976, Mercer Airlines is reformed and changes its corporate identity. Operating from the original Burbank base, the carrier maintains intrastate passenger and cargo charter services, together with contract service flights for the USN. Destinations visited include Point Mugu, San Nicholas Island, Long Beach, San Diego, and San Clemente. From Honolulu, similar contract service flights are undertaken to Christmas Island and Tarawa. President Thomas G. Vander Molen and five associates own the carrier.
In 1978, airline employment stands at 35 and the fleet comprises 3 Douglas DC-3s, 1 DC-6A, 3 DC-6s, and 1 BAC 1-11-400. Unable to weather the recession of the early 1980s, PAA ceases operations in 1982
PACIFIC CAL AIR: United States (1979-1983). With a base at Oakland, California, Pacific Cal is set up in 1979 to provide Essential Air Service (EAS) third-level passenger and cargo Piper PA-31-310 Navajo flights, linking its base with Sacramento and Fresno.
The company is acquired by new Oakland investors in 1981, but continues to be the only airline based at that California city. Orders are placed for four Fairchild-Swearingen Metros.
Enplanements for the year total 6,012.
Employing three of the Metro IIs, the commuter expands its route network in 1982 to include Reno, Nevada, and Boise, Idaho.
Passenger boardings accelerate 41.1% to 10,207.
The fourth Metro II is delivered in January 1983 and the carrier continues operations until recession forces it into receivership late in the year.
World History
