Airlines

Flying High: A Look at Freedom Air's History and Achievements





Freedom Air is an airline that has been around since 1987, when it was founded by a group of aviation entrepreneurs led by the late Robert “Bob” Smith. The company’s mission was to provide affordable air travel to the United States and beyond. Freedom Air quickly rose to prominence and has since become one of the most recognizable airlines in the world.

Flying High: A Look at Freedom Air's History and Achievements
Chesipiero

Freedom Air's first flight was on March 22, 1987, from Washington Dulles International Airport to Orlando International Airport. The airline quickly expanded its fleet and destinations, becoming one of the most recognized airlines in the United States. At the time, Freedom Air operated a fleet of Boeing 727s, McDonnell Douglas DC-9s and MD-80s, as well as Airbus A320s.

Throughout the 1990s, Freedom Air continued to grow, offering more routes and destinations around the world. The airline opened a hub in Las Vegas in 1997, which allowed them to expand their presence in the western US. In 1998, Freedom Air acquired several smaller regional carriers, allowing them to expand their network even further.

In 2000, Freedom Air made history by becoming the first US airline to operate a trans-Atlantic flight using only two-engine aircraft. This was an important milestone for the company, as it demonstrated their commitment to being a leader in the aviation industry.





In 2001, Freedom Air became the first US carrier to offer intercontinental flights. They began offering direct flights to London, Paris, and Rome, as well as other cities in Europe. This was a major step for the company, as it allowed them to compete with the major international carriers.

In 2003, Freedom Air merged with another airline, becoming the third largest airline in the United States. The merger gave the company access to new markets and allowed them to expand their route network even further.

In 2005, Freedom Air made another milestone when they became the first US airline to operate a fleet of Boeing 787 Dreamliners. This was a major step forward for the company, as the 787 is one of the most advanced aircraft in the world.

Sadly, Freedom Air has been involved in several incidents over the years. In 2004, a Freedom Air flight crashed while attempting to land in Salt Lake City, killing all nine passengers and crew on board. The National Transportation Safety Board concluded that the crash was due to pilot error. In 2006, the US Department of Justice launched an investigation into Freedom Air for alleged price fixing. The investigation was eventually settled out of court and the airline was not found guilty of any wrongdoing.





Throughout its history, Freedom Air has evolved from a small regional carrier to a major international airline. Today, Freedom Air operates a fleet of over 150 aircraft and offers flights to over 200 destinations in the United States and around the world. The company has come a long way since its humble beginnings in 1987, and it continues to strive for excellence in the aviation industry.