Airlines

Achievements & Milestones: Exploring the Growth of West Air - America's Largest Regional Airline





West Air is an American regional airline founded in 1975. The company began operations as an on-demand air taxi service in the western U.S. and was originally named Western Air Taxi. In 1982, the company was purchased by Apollo Aviation and renamed West Air. Over the years, West Air has grown to become one of the largest regional airlines in the United States, operating more than 100 aircraft and providing scheduled passenger service to more than 50 cities.

West Air's fleet consists of a mix of regional jets and turboprop aircraft from manufacturers such as Bombardier, Embraer, and Saab. The company's fleet includes the Bombardier CRJ-200, CRJ-700, and CRJ-900, the Embraer 145 and 170, and the Saab 340B. West Air also operates a fleet of Beechcraft 1900D turboprop aircraft.

West Air has achieved several important milestones over the years, including the following:

In 1997, West Air was the first regional airline to achieve simultaneous Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification for all of its aircraft types.





In 2011, West Air became the first regional airline to offer scheduled passenger service to the city of San Diego.

In 2013, the airline expanded its route network to the northern United States and Canada, becoming the first regional airline to provide service to Canada.

In 2017, West Air became the first regional airline to offer a digital travel app for passengers, allowing them to keep track of their flights, book tickets, and check in.

In 2019, West Air launched its first international route, from San Diego to Mexico City.





West Air has not been involved in any major incidents or accidents over the years. However, in 2014, the airline was the subject of a federal investigation when it was accused of violating FAA regulations. The airline was found to have operated flights with crew members who were not properly trained and licensed. Following the investigation, West Air was fined $150,000 and implemented measures to ensure that all of its crew members are properly trained and qualified.

West Air has come a long way since its humble beginnings as a small air taxi service in 1975. Today, the company is one of the largest regional airlines in the United States, providing scheduled passenger service to more than 50 cities, with plans to expand even further in the near future. While the airline has faced some challenges, it has remained committed to safety and has been able to achieve many significant milestones over the years.