Kalitta Air is an American cargo airline based in Ypsilanti, Michigan. It is a subsidiary of Kalitta Charters, LLC and is run by the founder and CEO, Connie Kalitta. Kalitta Air was established in 1999 as an independent cargo airline, operating a fleet of Boeing 747-200F, 747-400F, and McDonnell Douglas DC-8-73F aircraft.
The company was founded by former drag racer and aviation enthusiast Connie Kalitta, who has been dubbed “The Maverick of the Cargo Industry.” Kalitta’s passion for aviation and dedication to customer service is what drives the company to continue its success. Kalitta Air is known for its commitment to safety and for providing reliable, on-time service.
The Kalitta Air fleet consists of a variety of aircraft. The company operates Boeing 747-200F, 747-400F, and McDonnell Douglas DC-8-73F aircraft. The 747-200F and 747-400F aircraft are used for long-haul cargo flights and are capable of carrying up to 65 tons of freight. The DC-8-73F is used for medium-haul cargo flights and can carry up to 51 tons of freight.
Since its inception, Kalitta Air has experienced many milestones. In 2000, the company made its first international flight to Europe and has since flown to over 80 countries around the world. In 2007, Kalitta Air was awarded a contract with the U.S. military for cargo flights in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kuwait. In 2011, the company opened a new maintenance facility at the Willow Run Airport in Michigan and in 2012, Kalitta Air received the Outstanding International Air Carrier award from the U.S. Department of Defense.
In 2014, Kalitta Air was honored as the Cargo Airline of the Year by Cargo Facts magazine and was also named one of the top five cargo airlines in the world. In 2018, the company was awarded the prestigious “Diamond Award” from the U.S. Department of Defense for its outstanding performance in the air cargo industry.
Today, Kalitta Air is a major player in the air cargo industry, offering reliable and timely service to its customers. The company continues to be focused on providing the highest quality service in the industry and maintaining its commitment to safety. Kalitta Air continues to be a leader in the cargo industry, setting the standard for excellence.
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