Author Topic: Number of Airlines Historically  (Read 7000 times)

Offline mk223

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Number of Airlines Historically
« on: April 08, 2009, 07:14:55 PM »
Random question for anyone, I am trying to figure out how many airlines were operating in the US before deregulation, so 1977, 1978. I remember somewhere seeing once there were like 100ish, but i need to find an accurate source for a paper.

Thanks for anyone who might know where I can find this.



Offline joeyb747

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Re: Number of Airlines Historically
« Reply #1 on: April 13, 2009, 10:38:27 PM »
Found this...it's just on the impact of Deregulation...Probably not what you are looking for.

http://www.econlib.org/library/Enc/AirlineDeregulation.html


From Wiki:
"Exposure to competition led to heavy losses and conflicts with labor unions for a number of carriers. Between 1978 and mid-2001, nine major carriers (including Eastern, Midway, Braniff, Pan Am, Continental, America West Airlines, and TWA) and more than 100 smaller airlines went bankrupt or were liquidated—including most of the dozens of new airlines founded in deregulation's aftermath."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Airline_Deregulation_Act


There is a book series I've seen called "Deregulation Knockouts". Amazon has em...

http://www.amazon.com/Deregulation-Knockouts-Tom-W-Norwood/dp/0965399303

Might try them...I've never looked at the books myself...but I bet they would have the closest info to what you are looking for!  8-)

I can't for sure put a number on it, but the list in my head goes on and on...
From Air Florida to Pan Am...Capitol to Western Pacific...
The ones who didn't go under totally were sucked up by other larger carriers.
NWA picking up Republic...witch was a merger in itself (North Central and ...someone...the name escapes me now...). 
Recently, TWA, who was affected by deregulation, was picked up into American Airlines. 

Probably not what you are looking for totally, but I hope it helps!  :-D
« Last Edit: April 13, 2009, 10:50:41 PM by joeyb747 »

Offline joeyb747

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Re: Number of Airlines Historically
« Reply #2 on: April 14, 2009, 04:23:10 PM »
I found this too:

"In the 27 years before airline deregulation, no airline went bankrupt. Since 1978, 160 airlines have come and gone. In the last quarter-century, the rate of bankruptcy among air carriers has been as much as 10 times higher than that of the general business community."

The above is from the web page below:

http://www.alternet.org/story/25495/

This is kind of interisting too:

http://books.google.com/books?id=r0QLU3AWmIIC&pg=PA106&lpg=PA106&dq=airlines+that+have+gone+under+since+deregulation&source=bl&ots=MlifvxnwVM&sig=KQtytx7WMx-mK59MG7RKM2uSv8k&hl=en&ei=w-7kSenxKYninQe4wbGyCQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=8#PPA107,M1

Offline mk223

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Re: Number of Airlines Historically
« Reply #3 on: April 17, 2009, 11:34:19 PM »
Thanks alot, I had already found the first link, but the books you found are all very interesting. I am working on a paper and potential masters thesis on the US Airways / America West Merger.

Offline flygirltammy

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Re: Number of Airlines Historically
« Reply #4 on: April 18, 2009, 03:04:09 PM »
A plethora of info you are, joey  :-D

Offline joeyb747

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Re: Number of Airlines Historically
« Reply #5 on: April 19, 2009, 08:59:24 AM »
I think the book series might be your best bet. You probably can get them at Borders or Barnes And Noble, insted of ordering them from Amazon.

The America West/USAirway merger is defiantly an interesting one. I find it interesting that it was America West who bought USAirways, they retained the USAirways color schere, and retired the America West scheme. Yet at the same time, they continue to use America Wests' radio callsign, "Cactus".

Have you guys seen these? really cool tribute to America West and USAirways history.

This is USAirways A319 N742PS paying tribute to PSA.

http://www.airliners.net/photo/US-Airways-(PSA/Airbus-A319-112/1489921/L/&tbl=&photo_nr=3&sok=&sort=&prev_id=1490525&next_id=1482393

Here is USAirways A319 N744P paying tribute to Piedmont Airlines.

http://www.airliners.net/photo/US-Airways-(Piedmont/Airbus-A319-112/1494208/L/&tbl=&photo_nr=7&sok=&sort=&prev_id=1496308&next_id=1494046

Here is USAirways A319 N745VJ in another great lookin retro scheme. This one is Allegheny Airlines, complete with "Vistajet" titles on the nose, near the static port.

http://www.airliners.net/photo/US-Airways-(Allegheny/Airbus-A319-112/1166252/L/&tbl=&photo_nr=12&sok=&sort=&prev_id=1179702&next_id=1141096

This is A319 N828AW looking smart in the original America West paint scheme.

http://www.airliners.net/photo/US-Airways/Airbus-A319-132/1274727/L/&tbl=&photo_nr=18&sok=&sort=&prev_id=1284019&next_id=1272588

Here in A319 N838AW paying tribute to the final America West scheme.

http://www.airliners.net/photo/US-Airways/Airbus-A319-132/1464090/L/&tbl=&photo_nr=14&sok=&sort=&prev_id=1465174&next_id=NEXTID

Pretty cool. I think that is the best way to pay respect to your roots! What an awesome idea, and nice to see some of those old colors flying again!  8-)

Offline atcman23

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Re: Number of Airlines Historically
« Reply #6 on: April 20, 2009, 07:42:56 AM »
I am glad to see that US Airways did something right for a change.  I've seen three of these aircraft in person, the Allegheny, Piedmont and PSA paint schemes were all in Pittsburgh at one point a few years ago when I worked at the airport.  It was very nice to see the old colors.

Offline joeyb747

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Re: Number of Airlines Historically
« Reply #7 on: April 20, 2009, 05:55:37 PM »
I am glad to see that US Airways did something right for a change.  I've seen three of these aircraft in person, the Allegheny, Piedmont and PSA paint schemes were all in Pittsburgh at one point a few years ago when I worked at the airport.  It was very nice to see the old colors.

I agree! Smart looking airplanes! Just remember one thing...It's not US Airways anymore...only in colors...ownership is America West! So actually, America West did it right!  :wink:

Offline mk223

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Re: Number of Airlines Historically
« Reply #8 on: April 20, 2009, 07:59:54 PM »
Joey

Yeah, all of those paint schemes are awesome. As a plane spotter, I have seen all except the Allegheny ones.

I am almost done with a research paper for a class that is going to be the first of 3/4chapters for my masters thesis. In 2 to 3 weeks when its finished, Id be more than willing to share it with whomever.

Also, if anyone out there know any former America West/current US air employees, any positions, I would like to add an oral history component to my paper. (Thanks in advance if you happen to know someone).

Offline joeyb747

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Re: Number of Airlines Historically
« Reply #9 on: April 20, 2009, 08:09:47 PM »
Joey

Yeah, all of those paint schemes are awesome. As a plane spotter, I have seen all except the Allegheny ones.

I am almost done with a research paper for a class that is going to be the first of 3/4chapters for my masters thesis. In 2 to 3 weeks when its finished, Id be more than willing to share it with whomever.

Also, if anyone out there know any former America West/current US air employees, any positions, I would like to add an oral history component to my paper. (Thanks in advance if you happen to know someone).

I would defiantly like to read it!  :-D