Tradewinds Airlines is an American cargo airline based in Greensboro, North Carolina, USA. It operates a cargo schedule between the USA and Puerto Rico. [1]
History
The airline was established in 1969 as Wrangler Aviation and started operations in 1973 using Lockheed Constellation aircraft under FAA Part 91. It became a Part 121 carrier in 1978 and became an all-cargo airline in 1981.
Circa 1991- 1992, issues of Tradewinds citizenship, ownership, and compliance with federal airline laws resulted in the conclusion and finding that through the unregulated use of "Delaware Company Law" and the practice of subsidiaries being parts of other subsidiaries," Wrangler Aviation the parent company of which Tradewinds was a part; did not meet the fitness requirements of a certificated airline of the United State.[1] The conclusions resulted in restructuring changes to the company to continue operating.
The current name was adopted in 1991. It was what let Piedmont Triad International Airport be an "International Airport."[1] In December 2007, Donald Watkins, Lawyer from Alabama bought part of the company. On June 6, 2008, the airline reduced its staff by 70% and parked all 5 B747 and 3 A300.
During 2006, explorative attempts were made by Valiant Airways to contract Tradewinds Airlines for "start-up" operations, but these attempts failed to result in services coming to fruition.[2]
Further press releases in June 3, 2008 indicate that Tradewinds returned 5 747 B200F aircraft to the lessor and furloughed employees that operated the lines.
December 2008 Tradewinds Airlines was purchased by Sky Lease One, Florida.
On January 2009 Caribbean Transportation Services (Owned by FedEx), Sky Lease 1 (DBA Tradewinds Airlines) only customer indicated that effective May 14, 2009 will ceased all operations. Sky Lease future is questionable.
Effective July 1st, 2009 Tradewinds Airlines is operating from Miami to Lima, Peru; Barranquilla and Medellin, Colombia. According to reliable sources, in the very near future Tradewinds will operate in addition to the Airbus 300, three MD-11 to South America.
Bankruptcy
On July 25, 2008, Tradewinds Airlines filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection for the third time. The company cited rising fuel costs and low demand, but plans to continue to operate flights during reorganization.[2]
Destinations
As of August 2008 Tradewinds Airlines operates the following services:
Fleet
As of June 6 2008 Tradewinds Airlines fleet includes [3] :
Incidents and Accidents
On June 7, 2006, a Boeing 747-200F by the registration of N922FT had an engine failure on takeoff at José María Córdova International Airport. The pilot aborted, but the plane overran the runway. None of the 6 on board were injured. However, the plane was substantially damaged. See Video
External links
References
