Sunwest Aviation, Inc., is a commercial aviation company founded in 1978 and headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona. It is one of the largest and longest-operating regional airlines in the United States, having served passengers for more than 40 years. Sunwest began as a charter flight operator and has since grown to provide scheduled passenger service to more than 25 cities in the western United States.

Sunwest Aviation began in 1978 when entrepreneur Robert L. Jacoby purchased two Beech 99 aircraft and began offering charter flights. This marked the beginning of the company’s operations. The company quickly expanded, adding more aircraft to their fleet and offering services to more locations. In 1981, Sunwest Aviation became a scheduled carrier, offering service to six cities in Arizona.

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Sunwest Aviation continued to grow and expand their services. The airline added additional aircraft to their fleet, including the Boeing 737-200, and began offering service to more cities. In 1995, Sunwest Aviation was purchased by Mesa Air Group, a holding company that owns several regional airlines in the United States. This marked an important milestone in the airline’s history, as it enabled them to expand their services to more locations and increase their fleet size.

In 2000, Sunwest Aviation experienced one of its most important milestones when it was selected by US Airways to provide regional service in the western United States. This agreement enabled Sunwest to offer service to more than 25 cities in the region, including Denver, San Francisco, and Los Angeles.

Throughout its history, Sunwest Aviation has had a strong safety record. In 2007, the airline was recognized by the FAA for completing more than 30 consecutive years of accident-free flying. Sunwest Aviation has also been recognized for their commitment to customer service, having been awarded the Air Transport World Eagle Award for “Outstanding Customer Service” in 2009.

Despite the airline’s overall successful history, there have been a few incidents involving Sunwest Aviation. In 2009, the airline was involved in a fatal crash in Montana. The crash resulted in the deaths of all 14 people on board, including the pilot and co-pilot. The National Transportation Safety Board later determined that the accident was caused by pilot error.

In 2012, Sunwest Aviation was involved in a federal investigation after it was accused of violating safety regulations. The airline was found to have failed to properly inspect aircraft, resulting in several incidents of mechanical problems in flight. The airline was fined $1 million by the FAA, and several employees were disciplined.

Sunwest Aviation has come a long way since its founding in 1978. Over the years, the airline has grown to become one of the largest regional carriers in the United States and has established itself as a leader in customer service and safety. Despite a few missteps, Sunwest Aviation has built a strong reputation and continues to provide reliable service to its customers.