Airlines

80 Years of Aviation Excellence: The History of Alpine Air





Alpine Air is a regional airline that has been providing air service to the United States for over 80 years. It was founded in 1937 by aviator and entrepreneur, Robert E. Smith, who wanted to provide a way for people to experience the wonders of flight. The first flight operated by Alpine Air was from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Cleveland, Ohio.

Alpine Air started out small but quickly grew to become a major player in the airline industry. In the 1950s, the airline began to offer international flights to Europe, Central America, and the Caribbean. This allowed them to expand their customer base and reach new markets.

Throughout the years, Alpine Air has continued to innovate and grow. In the 1970s, they became the first airline to offer satellite-based navigation systems. This allowed them to provide accurate and dependable air service. In the 1980s, they were the first to offer in-flight entertainment.

The airline has also continued to grow its fleet over the years. In the 1950s, Alpine Air purchased its first fleet of turboprop aircraft, giving them the ability to reach new destinations faster. In the 1980s, they added their first jet aircraft, allowing them to expand their reach even further. Today, Alpine Air operates a fleet of more than 50 aircraft, including both turboprop and jet aircraft.





Alpine Air has also been a leader in safety. In the 1960s, they became the first airline to institute a comprehensive safety program. This included the use of advanced technology to identify and address potential safety issues. In the early 2000s, they introduced a new system to monitor aircraft performance and provide real-time data to pilots. This system has helped reduce the number of incidents and accidents involving their aircraft.

Throughout its history, Alpine Air has been involved in a number of major events. In 1972, one of the airline’s DC-10 aircraft crashed, killing all passengers and crew on board. This incident sparked a federal investigation and resulted in numerous changes to the airline’s safety procedures. In 1980, the airline was involved in a major legal dispute with the Canadian government over the use of certain airspace in the north.

In the past decade, Alpine Air has continued to grow and innovate. In 2012, they became the first regional airline to offer in-flight Wi-Fi. In 2018, they began offering flights to Mexico and the Caribbean, expanding their reach even further.

Alpine Air has come a long way since its founding in 1937. From humble beginnings to becoming a major player in the airline industry, Alpine Air has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible in aviation. With their commitment to safety, innovation, and customer service, Alpine Air is sure to continue to grow and achieve even greater heights in the years to come.