HORIZON (GORIZONT): Russia (1993-1996). Established at Krasnopar airport in 1993, this new all-cargo charter operator names
V. V. Fedorchenkov as its general manager. He acquires an Antonov An-26, which is employed to inaugurate revenue flights to other CIS destinations, as well as ad hoc markets in Africa, Europe, and the Mideast. Additional An-26s are acquired in 1994 as operations continue for two more years.
HORIZON AIR (HORIZON AIR INDUSTRIES): 19521 Pacific Highway South, Seattle, Washington 98188, United States; Phone (206) 241-6757; Fax (206) 248-6361; Http://www. horizonair. com; Code QX; Year Founded 1981. Horizon Air (officially Pacific Horizon Airlines) is incorporated on May 7, 1981 at Seattle, Washington, under the leadership of campground magnate (Thousand Trails, Inc.) and former Boeing Commercial Airplane Company executive Milton G. “Milt” Kuolt II. The new regional’s initial investors (Joe Clark, Bruce McCaw, and Scott Kidwell) put up sufficient capital to hire 36 employees and acquire 3 Fairchild F-27As from Quebecair, Ltd. These inaugurate daily scheduled, roundtrip, third-level passenger flights to Yakima on September 1 in competition with Spokane-based Cascade Airways. A week later, flights commence to Pasco’s Tri-Cities Airport. Airline employment stands at 98 by year’s end, but there is no profit.
Air Oregon is acquired on June 17, 1982, together with its fleet of Swearingen Metro IIs and its route from Medford to Seattle via Portland and Tacoma. This new Horizon service is now marketed as the I-5 Express.
The route system is increased when service is initiated to Spokane, Pullman, and the Idaho community of Lewiston.
Charter trips for ski buffs to Sun Valley, Idaho, commence in December.
Following the Air Oregon merger, passenger boardings increase to 282,214, which is 52% over the 185,372 combined 1981 total of the two independents. The fleet now includes 3 F-27As, 2 F-27Js, 1 F-27M, and 5 Swearingen Metro IIs, many with a brilliant sun logo; orders remain outstanding for 2 more F-27s.
In 1983, President Kuolt’s 650-employee Horizon begins merger discussions with the financially troubled, Utah-based commuter Transwestern Airlines. Destinations now visited by Horizon include Spokane, Weco, Pullman, Seattle, Spokane, Wenatchee, Yakima, Eugene, Klamath Falls, Medford, North Bend, Pendleton, Portland, Redmond, and Salem. In Idaho, flights are made to Boise, Idaho Falls, Lewiston, Pocatello, Sun Valley, and Twin Falls. San Francisco and Salt Lake City are also markets following Transwestern Airline’s absorption in December.
With a total of 3 F-27As, 1 F-27M, 6 F-27Js, and 13 Fairchild-Swearingen Metro IIIs in its fleet, the airline increases passenger traffic by 94.1% to 452,925 passengers flown.
The workforce is increased 79.5% in 1984 to 917 and to meet the year’s continuing demand, two more Fokker Fairchilds (F-27Fs) and seven Metros (Metro IIIs) are acquired and arrangements are made for receipt of the first jetliner.
Meanwhile, on January 1, the holding company Horizon Air Industries is formed as a public stock corporation; Horizon Air is now the operating subsidiary. An initial public offering of 750,000 shares of common stock is now made.
During January-May, plans are made to occupy a new Seattle headquarters facility later in the year; a frequent-flyer program is introduced, along with the SunStreak small-package express service on scheduled flights. Two Convair CV-580s are wet-leased from Sierra Pacific Airlines during the summer.
Sunjet Service, employing a DC-9-14 (wet-leased from Boston-based All Star Airlines and wearing that airline’s livery) is inaugurated between Seattle, Portland, Boise, and Pasco at the end of July, making Horizon the first regional from the northwest to make such a link. The Douglas service is an economic disaster and the chartered jetliner is withdrawn and returned after giving.
A leased Fokker F.28-1000 replaces the Douglas in December and is employed to launch weekday return service from Seattle to Boise. On weekends, it provides Sky Lift Service flights from San Francisco to Sun Valley, Idaho.
Enplanements spiral upward by 95.9% to 887,280 and cargo balloons 106.9% to 4.25 million FTKs. Revenues skyrocket 113% to $56.42 million and costs climb 107.9% to $53.86 million. The operating profit swells to $2.56 million and the previous year’s net loss turns into a gain of $293,000.
In 1985, Horizon becomes a code-sharing partner of United Airlines. To replace the aging Fokker Fairchilds, the company now places an order for 10 de Havilland Canada DHC-8-100s. To help cover the cost, Horizon arranges for the manufacturer to take the F-27s as partial payment, acquiring them as new Canadian aircraft are delivered.
Meanwhile, beginning in June, the carrier attempts to reach an arrangement to acquire bankrupt Cascade Airlines, which has steadily been withdrawing from routes on which it has been challenged by Horizon.
During negotiations, two BAC 1-111s are wet-leased to Horizon to help cover the routes Cascade abandoned in the spring, but the shortlived operation actually costs Horizon $1.5 million. A deal to take over Cascade is signed on July 31.
Passenger boardings ascend 22.4% to 942,023 and freight skyrockets 75.7% to 7.47 million FTKs. This year, Horizon transports more cargo than any other regional save one. Revenues advance 23% to $69.3 million, but a net $9.1 million loss is suffered, including a $4-million writeoff of the Cascade takeover attempt costs.
On January 31, 1986, a day after the DOT grants approval (with restrictions) to the merger, the 870-employee Horizon, itself losing money, pulls out of discussions regarding a takeover of Cascade Airways, citing unacceptable competitive issues raised in the DOT approval.
Service from Seattle to Kalispell, Montana, begins on March 1. Unable to find other financing, Cascade Airways collapses on March 7 and is liquidated in April. The defunct company’s leadership files a breach of contract suit against Horizon, but the case is dismissed.
Although Kuolt’s concern is now the largest regional carrier in the Pacific Northwest, the Cascade Airways “mistake” costs Horizon $4 million. Also in March, the first of 10 requested de Havilland Canada DHC-8-102s is placed into service between Seattle and Pocatello. The only company aircraft to wear names, the first ship is christened Seattle/Tacoma.
On May 1, I-5 Super Shuttle service is introduced between Seattle and Portland; by early October, 50 roundtrip weekday frequencies will be flown between the two cities.
The following day, May 2, an armed gunman hijacks a Metroliner en route from Medford to Portland with 14 passengers and orders it diverted to Hillsboro, Oregon. After releasing his hostages, the pirate negotiates his own surrender, three hours later. While in police custody, the perpetrator will commit suicide.
It is also announced in May that the company will be purchased for $68 million by Alaska Air Group, parent of Alaska Airlines, in late fall and notice of withdrawal is provided to United Airlines.
The fifth anniversary is celebrated on September 5 as the company now serves 27 cities in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Utah, Montana, and California. In October, Chairman Kuolt suggests that he is looking toward retirement.
The formal Alaska purchase occurs on November 19, when the boards of both Alaska and Horizon approve it. Alaska makes clear that it will operate its new subsidiary as a separate “sister” company, allowing it to retain its own identity and management.
In December, Horizon Air Holiday flights are started to the Sun Valley ski country while scheduled service to Helena and Great Falls, Montana, is begun. Full DOT approval to the Alaska takeover occurs before Christmas.
Customer bookings ascend 21.8% to 1,147,805 and cargo grows by 36.1% to 10.17 million FTKs. Revenues slip to $62.4 million, but expenses of $56.6 million allow a $5.8-million operating profit. The company loses its independence on a profitable note, showing a net gain of $3.7 million.
Airline employment is increased by 22.7% in 1987 to 1,466 and the fleet includes 2 F.28-1000s, 8 F-27s, five DHC-8-101s, and 22 Metro Ills.
Alaska Airlines Vice President John F. Kelly is appointed presi-dent/CEO (effective in June) at the first of the year. Former Chairman Kuolt agrees to remain vice chairman and a consultant, but Executive Vice President George Bagley (who will retain that title and become chief operating officer as well) will have charge of day-to-day operations during the year’s first half. Service is started to Bellingham, Washington, in February.
The code-sharing agreement with United Airlines officially ends on March 1 as the large regional switches from that major’s Apollo computerized reservations system to the CCS system operated by Continental Airlines. It also joins the Alaska Airlines Gold Coast Travel frequent flyer program. On April 5, thrice-daily Metro III nonstop roundtrips are inaugurated between Seattle and Port Angeles.
Competitors now increasingly enter Horizon’s Northwest territory. Montana-based Big Sky Airlines begins service to Spokane under a code-sharing agreement with Northwest Airlines while new “United Express” partner NPA, Inc., using British Aerospace Jetstream 31s, forces Horizon to abandon its Sacramento market in June. Late in that month, a court appeal is lost and the effort to have a DOT decision giving San Juan Airlines the lucrative Seattle-Vancouver route cannot be reversed.
While on a training flight from Twin Falls, Idaho, on September 29, a Swearingen Metro with three crew collides with an antenna tower and crashes out of control; although the aircraft is damaged beyond repair, there are no fatalities.
Despite these disappointments, passenger boardings leap upward by 22.7% to 1,388,912 and freight is up by 6.9% to 10.87 million FTKs. Revenues ascend 29.2% to $107.8 million and push the carrier from the ranks of the large regionals (where it was Number Four) into national status. Expenses are kept low enough to guarantee profits: $2.93 million (operating) and $887,000 (net).
Employment falls by 4.5% in 1988 to 1,400, but the fleet is increased by the brief addition of another F-27J, plus nine DHC-8-102s.
In January, the company begins to offer weekend discount fares that are 40% to 60% lower than regular weekday fares. The Canadian routes of the small Washington State-based regional San Juan Airlines are purchased. Thrice-daily Seattle-Spokane roundtrip F.28-1000 service is introduced in February.
Just after takeoff from Seattle for Spokane on April 16, a DHC-8-102 with 3 crew and 37 passengers develops a large fire in its No. 2 engine nacelle. The turboprop returns to its point of origin, makes an emergency landing, and strikes ground equipment and jetways B7 and B9 of the main terminal. Although the de Havilland is damaged beyond repair and there are no fatalities, 18 people are injured.
A third DHC-8-102 roundtrip is added in May from Seattle to Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland, Washington. The twelfth Dash 8 is acquired in early August and, on August 19, the last F-27 is retired.
Service is inaugurated from Seattle to Bellingham and from Billings to Missoula, Montana, in November, and several other frequencies are increased.
Operating regional services throughout the Pacific Northwest, Horizon enplanes a total of 1,397,139 passengers, a slight 0.6% increase. Revenues, however, jump 5.31% to $113.38 million, costs climb 5.53% to $110.52 million, and operating income totals $2.86 million, a slight decline. Net gain skyrockets to $2.56 million.
The workforce grows by 7.1% in 1989 to 1,500 and the fleet, which continues to feed Alaska Airlines in the Pacific Northwest, now includes 3 F.28-1000s, 32 Metro IIIs, and 13 DHC-8s, including 2 101s and 11 102s. Six DHC-8s remain on order.
Beginning in February, three of the eight roundtrips from Bellingham to Seattle are served by new DHC-8-102s. The U. S. routes of San Juan Airlines are purchased in May when the Washington State small regional becomes a code-sharing affiliate of Horizon’s parent.
In June, five daily nonstop DHC-8-101 flights from Seattle to Vancouver and Victoria, British Columbia, begin over the Canadian routes transferred earlier from San Juan Airlines. During the month, an hourly Seattle-Spokane nonstop roundtrip F.28-1000 shuttle service is inaugurated.
Three months later, in August, San Juan Airlines, the 40-year-old small regional, turns in its operating certificate to the FAA and liquidates. Meanwhile, a ninth daily Pasco to Portland service is added. Other new frequencies are initiated from Seattle, Spokane, Vancouver, and Yakima.
A third daily flight is added in September from Portland to Lewiston, Idaho, and an eleventh weekday service is started from Seattle to Spokane. In November, additional frequencies are added from Seattle to Vancouver, Walla Walla, and Wenatchee.
The year’s passenger boardings at Horizon swell 13.6% to 1,587,000 and freight jumps 10.1% to 1.03 million FTKs. Revenues increase 16.86% to $132.52 million, expenses ascend 14.48% to $126.52 million, and the operating profit doubles to $5.99 million. Net profit nearly doubles, to $1.86 million.
In 1990, the 1,500-employee Alaska Airlines feeder owns or leases 48 large and small airliners, including 32 Metro IIIs, 13 DHC-8-100s, and 3 F.28-1000s. Six DHC-8-100s remain on order.
In January, daily service is initiated from Butte to Billings, Helena, Kalispell, and Spokane and from Cincinnati to Birmingham, Alabama; three daily roundtrips are added from Kalispell to Billings and from Boise to Pullman and Lewiston. A passenger is injured on May 24 when a window in the cabin of a DHC-8-102 blows out during a flight from Portland to Seattle.
Service is inaugurated in September between Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver. Customer bookings climb another 14.4% to 1,816,000 and revenues swell 23.6% to $163.82 million. Costs rise 24.86% to $157.97 million and operating income dips very slightly to $5.84 million. Net gain slides to $1.05 million.
The employee population declines by 6.7% in 1991 to 1,400 and the fleet now includes 53 aircraft. Additional flights are begun in February from Portland to Lewiston and Pullman and return trips from Seattle to Walla Walla.
In April, two DHC-8-102 trips are added from Seattle to Spokane. A second DHC-8-102 frequency is launched from Kalispell to Spokane and replaces its Metro IIIs with DHC-8-102s on most of its Spokane-Missoula roundtrips. DHC-8-102s are added to the hourly F.28-1000 Spokane-Seattle shuttle.
In May, a $260-million order is placed for 35 Dornier 328-110s, plus 25 options. A new corporate image is unveiled during the first half, including a new white, red, and burgundy livery. Additionally, aircraft fuselages are adorned with the Horizon name in scripted lettering 5-feet high.
In July, a second DHC-8-102 is added to the Victoria and Port Angeles to Seattle roundtrip making a total of four per day. A DHC-8-102 is also added to the Seattle-Portland shuttle service. In August, the Metro IIIs are replaced on the afternoon frequency between Bellingham and Seattle.
Passenger boardings pass the two million-mark in annual enplane-ments for the first time, climbing by 11.3% to 2,022,000. Freight, meanwhile, rises 6.8% to 1.6 million FTKs. Revenues ascend 11.79% to $183.14 million and expenses are up 10.89% to $175.17 million, guaranteeing a $7.96 million operating profit. Net income doubles to $3.6 million.
Company employment increases 42.9% in 1992 to 2,000. With the retirement of a Metroliner and the addition of 4 DHC-8-102s, the fleet reaches a total of 55 aircraft.
Spokane is one of five Western cities under consideration by Alaska Airlines in the spring as the location of a heavy maintenance base for its aircraft and Horizon’s.
Alaska officials express displeasure with Spokane on May 8 when new entrant Morris Air Service begins daily nonstop roundtrips to that point from Seattle. Alaska Air and Horizon, which had dominated the air corridor between Washington State’s two largest cities and charged roundtrip fares of $190 to $380 per trip, are forced to match the $78 tariff of MAS.
A one-stop Portland-Redding roundtrip is inaugurated. One of the last F-27s is destroyed by Hurricane Andrew at Miami on August 24.
Alaska Airlines B-737 service from Nome to Anchorage via Kotzebue must be curtailed on September 11 as airport authorities repair and upgrade the main runways. For the next five days, twice-daily roundtrips will, however, be provided by Horizon DHC-8-100s.
Customer bookings jump 17.8% to 2,381,000 and revenues ascend 13.7% to $208.1 million. Expenses climb 14.6% to $200.84 million and leave an operating profit of $7.3 million. Net gain slips to $5.73 million.
In 1993, President/CEO Kelly oversees a workforce of 2,267, a 13.4% boost, and a fleet of 20 DHC-8-100s, 32 Metroliners, and 3 F.28-1000s. The de Havillands are all now equipped with the Head-Up Guidance System (HGS) employed by Alaska Airlines for four years. Orders are outstanding for 35 Dornier 328-110s.
In the spring, the company, together with Alaska Airlines, begins to employ the American Airlines SABRE reservations system. During the summer, the Metros are withdrawn from the high-frequency Seattle to Portland and Spokane shuttle and are replaced with Dash 8s. The premier Dornier 328-110 is handed over on November 12 in ceremonies at the builder’s Oberpfaffenhofen facility.
Not only does the first Dornier enter service in December, but the original F.28-1000s are also increasingly taken out of service for normal maintenance and upgrading. Seventeen of the daily roundtrip Seattle-Spokane shuttle flights will be operated over the next six months by wet-leased Alaska Airlines jetliners.
Passenger boardings shoot up 15.6% to 2,751,778 and freight ascends 26.1% to 3.49 million FTKs. Revenues climb 7.3% to $223.33 million, expenses are up only 6.8% to $214.57 million, and operating income grows to $8.75 million. Net profit swells to $4.6 million.
Airline employment is increased by 22.4% in 1994 to 2,999 and Sacramento is added to the route network in April. During the spring, Southwest Airlines moves into Horizon’s service area, placing pressure on Horizon’s fare structure and directly competing with it on routes from Seattle to Spokane and Portland.
In September, six Fokker F.28-1000s are leased from USAir. When President Kelly is appointed executive vice president/chief operating officer of sister Alaska Airlines in December, he is succeeded by that carrier’s vice president-finance, Kathleen H. Iskra. Senior Vice President Operations William Ayer is also promoted into Alaska’s hierarchy.
Customer bookings surge 26.5% to 3,481,587 while cargo moves up 3.8% to 3.63 million FTKs. Revenues accelerate 15% to $256.9 million while expenses rise only 13.7% to $243.98 million. Pretax profit climbs to $12.92 million, while net gain increases to $7.7 million.
One new employee is hired in 1995. The fleet grows throughout the year to include 23 Fairchild Metro IIIs, 10 Dornier 328-110s, 23 DHC-8s, and 12 Fokker F.28-1000/4000s.
Thrice-daily nonstop F.28-1000 roundtrips are initiated on March 19 between Boise and Oakland, California.
During the summer and fall, electronic ticketless travel is made available with Alaska Airlines on routes from Seattle to Ketchikan, Oakland, Spokane, and Oakland to Boise. On October 11, this electronic option is extended from Seattle to San Francisco, San Jose, and Portland.
At the same time, automated check-in becomes available employing kiosks similar to bank ATM machines. President/CEO Iskra departs in October and is replaced, initially on a temporary basis, by Executive Vice President/Chief Operating Officer Bagley.
Daily F.28-1000 roundtrips commence on December 17 from Seattle to Edmonton. Two more Dornier 328-110s are delivered in December, including the 50th production unit.
Despite competition from other discount carriers, enplanements jump 9.1% to 3,796,000 and freight accelerates 12.1% to 2.78 million FTKs. Operating revenues move up 8.8% to $279.5 million and costs advance 12.8% to $275.3 million. Operating profit falls to $4.2 million while an equal $4.2-million net profit is posted.
There is no change in the workforce in 1996. Chief Operating Officer Bagley becomes permanent president/CEO at the beginning of the year. The two new Dornier 328-110s enter service in January. Plans are made to replace the F.28-1000s with F.28-4000s.
Also during the first quarter, the FAA approves Horizon’s request to launch new low-visibility landings at the airport at Medford, Oregon. Seven of the company’s eight daily services to Medford will be performed by DHC-8s equipped with Flight Dynamics’ HGS. The eighth frequency, performed by a Dornier, must remain high-visibility until the 328-110 can be equipped with its own HGS.
Daily Dornier 328-110 roundtrips to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, via Bozeman, Montana, commence in June. In August, negotiations for a new contract begin with AFA. Also during the month, orders are placed for 25 DHC-8Q-200s.
During the fall, a cost-cutting program built around schedule and fleet simplification is announced. A losing two-year-old rivalry with Southwest Airlines (2) on routes from Seattle to Spokane and to Portland begins to hurt the company’s bottom line.
Customer bookings slide 1.1% to 3,752,690 on 204,447 scheduled departures, but cargo accelerates 9.1% as 3.04 million FTKs are operated.
Revenues climb 7.8% to $301.3 million and expenses jump 9.4% to $301.2 million. At $300,000, the net gain is $200,000 higher than operating profit. Still, it is only 7% of the previous year’s gain and causes alarm bells to ring at company headquarters.
The employee population is cut 3.6% in 1997 to 3,000. At an impasse, the National Mediation Board (NMB) is called in during February to assist in the negotiations between the carrier and AFA.
Flight 2157, a DHC-8 with 3 crew and 13 passengers arriving from Seattle, is substantially damaged on March 26 when it collides with ground equipment during taxi in Wenatchee, Washington; no one aboard the plane is injured as it moves to the terminal following its landing.
To help lower costs, the company begins to rationalize its fleet. Plans are made to withdrawn all of the Dornier 328-110s and Fairchild Metro IIIs in favor of Fokker F.28-4000 and DHC-8 equipment. Frequencies will also be slightly reduced—an inconvenience the carrier hopes to offset with the comfort of the larger aircraft.
Service to a few less popular stops is now suspended, including Twin Falls, Idaho, Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and Helena, Montana. Daily F.28-4000 return service is started from Seattle to Billings, Montana, in June.
On August 3, twice-daily nonstop DHC-8 return flights are started between Seattle and Medford, Oregon. These are in addition to the 10 flights a day between Portland and Medford. A third daily nonstop is initiated from Seattle to Redmond and Bend. New shuttle service is launched from Seattle to Vancouver. Flights are increased from 13 to 16 per day and are scheduled to depart every hour on the half-hour from Seattle and every hour on the hour from Vancouver.
A seventh daily DHC-8 nonstop between Seattle and Victoria, British Columbia, is added on September 7. Simultaneously, a second daily F.28-4000 roundtrip is instituted between Seattle and Billings.
Also during the fall, an F.28-1000 is sold to the Canadian charter operator Air Niagara Express, Ltd. Still, sufficient units remain on hand to honor all commitments, including daily service between Seattle and Spokane and Spokane and Billings.
On November 9, the company replaces the Metroliners serving the Portland to Klamath Falls, Oregon, route with DHC-8s.
In a special ceremony at the Bombardier facility at Toronto, the company, on November 21, receives the 500th DHC-8 built, a Dash-8Q-200, which is christened Wenatchee.
At the same time, the manufacturer rolls out its new DHC-8Q-400. During the fall, most of the airline’s final Metro IIIs wing their way north to the manufacturer as part of the price Horizon pays for the new de Havilland equipment.
A tentative agreement on a new five-year contract is reached between the carrier and AFA on December 15. The 275 rank-and-file flight attendants, based at Spokane, Portland, and Boise, will vote on acceptance during January.
Nonstop return service from Seattle to all seven of the company’s Montana destinations begins three days later. Also on December 18, thrice-daily nonstops are inaugurated between Seattle and Sun Valley for the ski season.
Passenger boardings dip 1.8% to 3,685,606 on 171,417 scheduled departures. Operating revenues inch up 0.8% to $303.6 million. Expenses fall 1.1% to $297.8 million. The operating profit grows to $5.8 million, while net gain sails upward to $6.3 million.
With founder Kuolt, cofounder McCaw, and CEO Bagley aboard, Flight 2420, a Metro III piloted by Capt. Mike Roy, lands at Portland on February 10, 1998, from North Bend, completing the carrier’s last scheduled Metroliner service. The aircraft taxies to Gate A2 under the traditional water arch provided by the Port of Portland Fire Department.
Later in the day, the plane will replace an out-of-service DHC-8-100 on a flight to Redmond, but the North Bend-Portland flight completed earlier will remain, officially, its last company service.
On March 1, a third daily F.28-4000 roundtrip is added between Seattle and Calgary. On the same day, a one-stop jet flight between Seattle and Missoula becomes nonstop, making all three daily roundtrips nonstop. Similarly, between Seattle and Kalispell, Horizon converts a one-stop to a nonstop so that two of three flights each way will be nonstop.
In March, Horizon introduces new DHC-8Q-200s on services to and from Klamath Falls, North Bend, and Pendleton. Fares on the inaugural flights are reduced. In an effort to remain competitive, tariffs are also reduced on flights from Portland, Seattle, Spokane, and Boise.
Four-times-a-day nonstop, roundtrip DHC-8Q-200 flights from Seattle to Kelowna, British Columbia, commence on May 10.
A new 190,000-sq.-ft, $17.3-million Operations Center is dedicated on August 14 at Portland International Airport. Full occupancy by 1,400 employees requires a 5-week move from 5 World War II-era buildings on the southside of the airport.
On September 27, the number of daily seats offered on the thrice-daily flights between Seattle and both Butte and Helena is doubled by upgrading from 37-seat DHC-8Q-200s to 69-seat F.28-4000s. Horizon now provides jet service to all of its Montana markets.
Also during the day, a ninth nonstop is introduced from Seattle to Pasco, Washington, with the elimination of flights shared with Walla Walla. Walla Walla now receives its own nonstop flights and two new daily nonstop return services are introduced from Seattle to Spokane.
First used by Piedmont Airlines (1), a 17th F.28-4000 is leased during October.
Moses Lake is dropped as a destination between Seattle and Wenatchee on November 1 while Wenatchee is cut from three of the four daily roundtrips between Moses Lake and Seattle. A fourth daily nonstop roundtrip is introduced between Seattle and Medford, Oregon.
On November 20, the company announces that it will start thrice-daily F.28-4000 roundtrips on March 1 between Seattle and Fresno, the first nonstop service between the two communities ever offered.
On December 9, Alaska Air Group President Ayer announces that a letter of intent for the creation of a marketing partnership has been signed between its subsidiaries, Alaska Airlines and Horizon, and AMR Corporation and its subsidiaries, American Airlines and American Eagle Airlines (2). The alliance will greatly expand travel and mileage opportunities for AAG passengers and strengthen the marketing presence for both corporations in California, the Pacific Northwest, and the West Coast. The four airlines will implement a fully reciprocal frequent flyer relationship; code-sharing is also under discussion, but remains subject to labor contract provisions.
Alaska also announces that notice has been provided to Northwest Airlines of its intent to modify an existing marketing agreement. Talks are underway and it is hoped that it might be maintained.
A February 14 schedule enhancement is announced on December 14. On that date, the company will add a fourth daily F.28-4000 roundtrip between Seattle and Calgary and a fifth daily DHC-8Q-200 roundtrip between Portland and Klamath Falls.
On December 17, a third daily nonstop roundtrip is added between Seattle and Sun Valley, with a fourth flight on weekends. The nonstop weekend service will cease on February 5.
Alaska Airlines President Ayer and Northwest Airlines President/CEO John Dasburg jointly announce on December 22 that their commercial cooperation agreement, which includes Horizon Air, will be extended. To mark and celebrate this arrangement, both carriers offer their respective frequent flyers the opportunity to earn bonus miles for flights taken on the other carrier between January 4 and February 28, 1999.
Also during the day, Horizon President Bagley announces that his carrier has placed a $580 million order with Bombardier for 25 Canadair CRJ-700s, delivery of which will start during the second quarter of 2002.
During the 12 months, customer bookings jump 19.07% to 4.38 million, while freight traffic drops 2.54% to 2.85 million FTKs. Revenues jump 14.6% to $347.8 million, while expenses are up 10.7% to $329.6 million. Operating profit grows to $18.2 million, while net profit triples to $18.9 million.
A comprehensive marketing agreement, effective April 1, is announced by Canadian Airlines, Ltd. on January 12, 1999, with Alaska Airlines and its sister carrier Horizon.
On February 10, an agreement is concluded with The Wall Street Journal under which passengers travelling with Horizon to or from Boise, Portland, Seattle, or Spokane will be offered copies of the newspaper as they board their flights.
Starting on February 14, flights are increased from Seattle to Calgary and from Portland to Klamath Falls.
A comprehensive three-way marketing alliance is entered into with Continental Airlines and Alaska Airlines on February 25.
Nonstop F.28-4000 daily roundtrips begin on March 1 from Seattle to Fresno, California. While en route from Billings to Seattle on March 31, Flight 2419, an F.28-4000 with 4 crew and 40 passengers, experiences a loss of hydraulic pressure in the primary hydraulic system. The flight crew switches to the secondary hydraulic system and diverts to Spokane, where a safe landing is made without incident.
When the code-sharing agreement between Canadian Airlines, Ltd., Alaska Airlines, and Horizon takes effect on April 1, the three companies begin to participate in each other’s frequent flyer programs and begin code-sharing on routes between Vancouver, Seattle, and numerous cities across the western U. S. and Canada.
Thrice-daily F.28-4000 roundtrips begin on June 7 from Boise to Los Angeles (LAX). On June 14, a firm $321-million order is placed with Bombardier Aerospace for the acquisition of 15 DHC-8-Q400s, with an option taken on 15 more. Deliveries of the advanced turboprop, for which Horizon is North American launch customer, are expected to begin in August 2000.
Passenger boardings accelerate 13.6% to 4,984,000 while freight climbs 11.7% to 3.18 million FTKs. Revenues swell 19.6% to $415.9 million, while costs are up 18.7% to $391.1 million. The operating profit rises to $24.8 million, while net gain reaches $25.5 million.
Airline employment at the beginning of 2000 stands at 3,798, a 17.2% increase over the previous 12 months.
While en route from Seattle to Fresno on February 14, Flight 2457, a Fokker F.28-4000 with 4 crew and 20 passengers, encounters clear-air turbulence over Red Bluff, California. One flight attendant is thrown across the cabin, suffering a broken ankle.
The carrier, on April 9, increases its DHC-8-102 return frequencies from Seattle to Bellingham (8 to 9) and Victoria, British Columbia (7 to 8). An agreement is reached with Bombardier Aerospace on May 31 for the acceleration in delivery of the company’s order for 30 CRJ700s. Instead of 2002-2003, the first 14 are rescheduled to arrive between December 2000 and October 2001.
With contract talks unsuccessful, the carrier’s Teamster-represented pilots vote on August 15 to strike if released from federal mediation efforts.
New daily nonstop F.28-4000 roundtrips are inaugurated on September 11 from Eugene, Oregon, to Los Angeles. On October 1, an F.28-4000 replaces a DHC-8-102 on one of the carrier’s six daily return flights between Seattle and Eugene. The withdrawn Fokker is put up for sale as the carrier awaits delivery, hopefully in December, of its first CRJ700.
On November 13, the carrier’s Transport Workers Union-represented mechanics approve a two-year contract extension, which includes a 15% wage increase.
As the year ends, employees are thrilled by the receipt of the carrier’s first DHC-8-Q401 on December 29. It will enter service on February 18, 2001, and fly from Seattle to Kalispell, Missoula, Portland, Spokane, and Vancouver.
HORIZON AIR TAXI, LTD.: Switzerland (1984-1987). HAT is established at Zurich in 1984 to offer charter and on-demand passenger flights to regional destinations. Revenue operations commence with a pair of Cessna 414s.
Services are maintained until 1994, when the company stops its non-scheduled flights and becomes a flight training center.
HORIZON AIRLINES: United States (1967-1969). Horizon Airlines is initially set up at Lynchburg, Virginia, in the first quarter of 1967 before moving its base to Charlottesville. Employing a Piper PA-23 Aztec, the company inaugurates daily roundtrips on June 11, linking the home of the University of Virginia with Lynchburg and Richmond. Services are maintained into 1969.
HORIZON AIRLINES (PTY.), LTD.: Hangar 14, Airport Ave., Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Phone 61 (2) 9791 9398; Fax 61 (2) 9791 9844; Http://www. horizonairlines. com. au; Year Founded 1998.
Horizon Airlines is established at Sydney in early 1998 to offer third-level passenger services to points in New South Wales and Victoria. Employing a small fleet of Fairchild Metro 23s, General Manager Malcolm Campbell’s new concern launches revenue flights to Mildura on March 31. Service to Broken Hill begins on July 1.
So popular are these new frequencies that the company expands again on February 1, 1999, adding new flights to Deniliquin and Swan Hill. In March 2000, the company begins flying to Wangaratta and Shepparton. This strong new route is served daily after July 1.
HORIZON AIRWAYS: United States (1969-1976). Horizon is established at Kirksville, Missouri, in 1969 to provide air taxi flights to St. Louis and Kansas City. Cessna 207 operations continue apace until April 1976, when the company is reformed into the commuter Air Missouri.
HORNBILL SKYWAYS SDN BHD: P. O. Box 1387, North Pan Hangar, Kuching International Airport, Kuching, Sarawak, 93728, Malaysia; Phone 60 (82) 455737; Fax 60 (82) 455736; Year Founded 1988. Hornbill Skyways is set up at Kuching in 1988 by the State Government of Sarawak to provide charter and contract service flights to bush airfields in the jungle regions of Sarawak and Sabah in eastern Malaysia. Operations begin with 1 Shorts SC-7 Skyvan, 1 Cessna Citation I, and 5 Bell 206B JetRangers. In 1994, minority interest is taken in Malaysian Helicopter Service, Ltd.
Flights continue in 1995-1999. By the latter year, the fleet of General Manager Lt. Col. Sharkawi Hasbie includes the Skyvan, Citation I, 9 JetRangers, and 1 Bell 222.
HORTON AIRWAYS, LTD.: United Kingdom (1946-1950). Formed at London (LGW) in late summer 1946 by three brothers named Gee, Horton Airways acquires a Percival P.44 Proctor 5 in October and inaugurates air taxi flights. An Airspeed AS.65 Consul is purchased in February 1947 and in April the company is registered as an airline, purchasing two more Consuls the same month. Nonscheduled personnel and cargo charters are undertaken and the fleet is increased during the summer by the addition of an Auster J/1 Autocrat, a de Havilland DH 89A Dragon Rapide, and a Miles M.65 Gemini 1A.
In January 1948, the company establishes an overseas charter division in Cyprus, purchases a Douglas DC-3, and joins forces with the Swiss-based White Star Continental Tours, Ltd. The company’s two Consuls are transferred to Cyprus on February 1 and launch ad hoc passenger and cargo charters from Nicosia on February 7. Coach-Air service from London to Switzerland, the south of France, and the Channel Islands is started in early summer.
On September 24, the carrier’s lone DC-3 arrives at Lubeck to join the civil side of the Berlin Airlift. Flying most of its 108 cargo flights into the ex-German capital from Hamburg, beginning on October 5, the lone plane transports a total of 397 tons of supplies in 301 flying hours. The Douglas returns to London on November 18 and resumes its holiday charter operations.
British European Airways Corporation (BEA) grants Horton an associate contract in April 1949 for a scheduled routes between London (LGW) and Land’s End and London (LGW) to Exeter and Plymouth. The Dragon Rapide is assigned to provide the scheduled service while the Gemini begins concentration on the provision of flights to horse races.
Without sustainable financial success, the carrier is faced with a severe cash flow problem in the spring of 1950 and is ceased to force operations in May.
World History
