FARWEST AIRLINES: Biegert Aviation, 22022 S. Price Road, Chandler, Arizona 85248, United States; Phone (800) 843-8723; Fax (520) 796-5895; Http://www. farwestairlines. com; Year Founded 1999. Max and Thelma Biegert, owners of Biegert Aviation, revitalize the historic Grand Canyon Railway and put it back into operation in September 1989 between Williams and Grand Canyon National Park. Early in 1999, Earwest Airlines is established to operate supplemental passenger flights from Phoenix to Northern Arizona to complement and feed the railroad. Biegert Aviation President/CEO James Jefferies is named president of Earwest and a small group of staffers, together with a de Havilland Canada DHC-7-102, is acquired. Revenue flights commence in June.
A second DASH-7 is put into service during September.
WALTER FARYNIAK: United States (1965-1968). Mr. Earyniak founds this third-level operation at Allentown, Pennsylvania, in late fall 1965 to offer scheduled services to regional destinations employing Piper lightplanes. Revenue flights commence on November 19 and continue for three years.
FAST AIR CHILE (FAST AIR CARRIER, S. A.): Avda. Americo Vespucio 901, Santiago, Chile; Phone 56 (2) 565-6001; Fax 56 (2) 565-6222; Http://www. fastair. cl; Code UD; Year Founded 1978. This all-cargo carrier is formed by a group of local businessmen at Santiago de Chile on August 14, 1978. Equipped with an ex-Trans World Airlines (TWA) Boeing 707-331CE, it begins flight operations on November 27.
In 1979, the carrier receives permission to operate to the U. S.
During 1980-1986, the 60-employee carrier remains a singlefreighter charter operation dedicated to transporting Chilean agricultural goods outbound and bringing home various manufactured products. Destinations visited include Bogota, Sao Paulo, Panama City, Miami, New York, and Erankfurt.
Ereight traffic gradually increases and by 1987, the company has carried 52.2 million ETKs—a 29.9% increase over the previous year.
The lone Boeing freighter gives the company another good year in 1988, flying 58.43 million ETKs for an 11.8% boost.
Airline employment stands at 56 in 1989 as the Boeing increases freight by a impressive 75.4% to 102.36 million ETKs.
Cargo rises another 24.1% to 127.08 million ETKs in 1990. Income exceeds expenses and there are profits: $712,000 (operating) and $2.45 million (net).
The workforce is increased 23.8% in 1991 to 260 as a B-707-341C, originally delivered to VARIG Brazilian Airlines (Viacao Aerea Rio-Grandense, S. A.), joins the fleet and orders are placed for 2 B-757s. Both of the Stratoliners are sold and leased back.
Ereight climbs 10% to 80.87 million ETKs and revenues accelerate 22.9% to $32.6 million. Costs are kept in line and thus allow an operating surplus of $2.4 million and a net gain of $1.65 million.
The B-757 order is cancelled in 1992 as a leased DC-8-71E arrives.
Cargo advances a hearty 18.5% to 168.77 million ETKs. Revenues total $27.3 million and a $1.3-million operating profit is generated.
In 1993, Chairman/President Juan C. Sierra employs 56 workers and flies 3 leased aircraft: a B-707-331C, a B-707-341C, and a Douglas DC-8-71E. Markets served from Santiago now include Bogota, Erankfurt, Miami, New York, Panama City, and Sao Paulo.
Through September, cargo is up 5% to 124.18 million ETKs. In December, the company, through its membership in the Cueto Group, acquires 20% shareholding in LanChile Airlines, S. A.
Airline employment is increased to 230 in 1994 and the fleet includes three leased Douglas DC-8-71Es and a Boeing 707-331C, the latter chartered from Aero Uruguay, S. A.
The Cueto Group joins with Boris Hirmas in Eebruary to purchase the 42.1% stake in LanChile held by SAS (Scandinavian Airlines System).
In June, LanChile Airlines, S. A. takes over East Air for $13.7 million and the Boeing is withdrawn. The freight line is operated as a subsidiary.
Through November, freight traffic rises 2.3% to 157.65 million ETKs.
There is no change in the workforce during 1995. During the year, a minority interest is taken in Miami-based Florida West Airlines. The company’s 3 Douglas freighters and 1 active Boeing haul 292.11 million ETKs, a 55% increase.
The workforce is reduced to 56 in 1996 as the company suffers a bad traffic year. Cargo is off by 14.1% to 250.89 million ETKs.
The fleet is increased in 1997 by one DC-8-71E. Painted in an attractive two-tone green and white color scheme, the freighter undertakes allcargo flights from Mexico City to Miami and Los Angeles on behalf of Aerotransportes Mas de Cargo, S. A. de C. V.
Ereight traffic for the year dips another 1.8% to 115.4 million ETKs.
On March 19, 1998, two Tower Air B-747-121Es are wet-leased for a year under a $22.86-million contract, which is extendible by mutual agreement.
In July, LADECO Chilean Airlines, S. A., at the request of LanChile Airlines, S. A., agrees to absorb East Air during early 1999.
American International Airways (3) receives its first B-747-2B4BC from Boeing’s Wichita conversion facility in early October and places it under a three-year aircraft, crew, management, and insurance (ACMI) contract with East Air late in the month, slightly earlier than originally planned.
Elights continue in 1999-2000.
At the end of October of the latter year, Eagle Global Logistics, new majority owner of Miami Air International, enters into a new strategic all-cargo alliance with LanChile Airlines, S. A., as well as the freight lines it controls, Fast Air, MasAir (Aerotransportes Mas de Cargo, S. A. de C. V.) and Florida West International Airways.
World History
