Kouri Khmelevski establishes RAF-Avia Airlines at Riga in February 1991 to transport spare parts for the RAF minibus manufacturing concern. Employing an Antonov An-26B, the nation’s first private airline begins flying in May.
With a decline in demand for spare parts, the company in 1994 switches to the provision of public international and regional cargo charters. Many flights are made on behalf of DHL Worldwide Express, as the company also diversifies into such aviation activities as leasing, technical support for smaller aeronautical concerns, and management consulting services.
The carrier becomes a joint-stock company in 1996 with Juris Hmelevskij as president. Two more An-26Bs are procured and the company begins an emphasis on humanitarian and medical relief flights, as well as small group charters and the transport of livestock. Revenues reach $1.2 million.
Flights continue during the remainder of the decade, during which years the fleet is increased by the addition of another An-26B and an An-72. A total of 80 workers are employed at the beginning of 2000.
RAI COMMUTER AIRLINE: United States (1981-1983). Herbert D. Roederer’s Roederer Aviation is reformed and renamed in 1981. Employing his fleet of 1 each Cessna 414, Cessna 402, Cessna 210, and Cessna 177, the third-level operator maintains scheduled intrastate passenger and cargo services linking his St. Louis base with Springfield, Kansas City, Jefferson City, Columbia, and Lake of the Ozarks.
Unable to withstand the recession, Roederer is forced to shut his doors in 1983.
World History
