Mercy Air is one of the world’s oldest and most respected airlines, having served hundreds of millions of passengers since its inception in 1921. Founded by Francis Mercy, a former World War I fighter pilot and veteran of the U.S. Army Air Corps, Mercy Air is renowned for its commitment to safety and its strong customer service.

Fleet

Mercy Air's fleet is composed of a wide range of aircraft, from its earliest days of single-engine biplanes to its modern fleet of Boeing 737s and Airbus A320s. In the airline's early days, its fleet was composed of single-engine biplanes, but in the years since, it has seen an influx of newer and larger aircraft. Today, the fleet includes the Boeing 737, the Airbus A320, the Embraer 190, the ATR 72, and the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

Important Milestones

1. 1921 - Mercy Air was founded by Francis Mercy, who had previously served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War I. The airline was initially owned by Mercy and his family, and was based in the small town of Mercyville, Arizona.

2. 1930s - Mercy Air began to establish itself as a major international air carrier, with routes to cities in the United States and Mexico.

3. 1940s - Mercy Air saw a period of rapid growth, establishing new routes to cities in Europe and Asia.

4. 1950s - Mercy Air developed a reputation for reliability and customer service, and was one of the first airlines to introduce jet engines to its fleet.

5. 1960s - Mercy Air began to introduce larger aircraft to its fleet, including the Boeing 707 and the Douglas DC-8.

6. 1970s - Mercy Air began to introduce wide-body aircraft, including the Boeing 747 and the Lockheed L-1011 TriStar.

7.1980s - Mercy Air began to expand its international routes and introduced the Airbus A320 to its fleet.

8. 1990s - Mercy Air became the first airline to introduce the Boeing 777 to its fleet, and opened a new hub at Denver International Airport.

Incidents

Throughout its history, Mercy Air has had a remarkable safety record. However, in the early 1990s, the airline was the subject of a federal investigation into potential antitrust violations. The investigation was ultimately dropped and no charges were filed. Additionally, in 1994, a Mercy Air 737 crashed during a landing at Los Angeles International Airport, killing all 104 passengers and crew onboard. The crash was later determined to be the result of pilot error.

Conclusion

Mercy Air has come a long way from its humble beginnings in 1921, and today is one of the world's most respected airlines. Its commitment to safety and customer service has earned it a loyal following, and its fleet of modern aircraft is among the most advanced in the world. Despite the occasional incident, Mercy Air remains a leader in the aviation industry and is well-positioned to continue its success for years to come.