Air Florida
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:''This article discusses the 1971-1984 airline. For the current carrier, see [[Air Florida Airlines]].''
{{Infobox_Airline |
airline=Air Florida|
logo=Logoairflorida.png|
logo_size=100|
IATA=QH|
ICAO=FLA|
callsign=PALM|
parent=Air Florida, Inc.|
founded=1971|
ceased=1984|
headquarters=[[Miami, FL]]|
key_people=|
hubs=[[Miami International Airport]]|
frequent_flyer=|
lounge=|
alliance=|
fleet_size=|
destinations=|
website=|
}}
[[Image:N62AF January 1982.jpg|thumb|right|Air Florida B737-222 N62AF, which later crashed operating [[Air Florida Flight 90]]]]
'''Air Florida''' was an [[United States|American]] [[low-cost carrier]] that operated from 1971 to 1984.
==History==
'''Air Florida''' was a small [[United States|U.S.]] and international [[airline]] based out of [[Miami International Airport]]. It started operations in 1972, after being formed in 1971. Initial aircraft included the [[Boeing 707]], later transitioning to the [[Lockheed L-188 Electra]] turboprop. Air Florida's fleet would grow to include the [[McDonnell Douglas DC-9]], [[Boeing 727]], [[Boeing 737]], and [[McDonnell Douglas DC-10]]. In addition to Air Florida having a large presence in the Northeast-to-Florida market during the 1970s and 1980s, the airline also expanded internationally and served various points in the [[Caribbean]] and [[South America]], as well as [[London]], [[Brussels]], [[Shannon International Airport|Shannon]] and [[Amsterdam]].
As with many airlines during the [[deregulation]] era, ''Air Florida'' expanded rapidly and began to incur heavy financial losses. The crash of [[Air Florida Flight 90]] in 1982 accelerated its demise and it declared bankruptcy and ceased operations on [[July 3]], [[1984]].
==Flight 90 Accident==
{{main|Air Florida Flight 90}}
On [[January 13]], [[1982]], [[Air Florida Flight 90]] crashed into [[Washington, DC]]'s [[14th Street Bridge (I-395)|14th Street Bridge]] and fell into the [[Potomac River]] shortly after taking off. A total of 70 passengers and 4 crew died and four motorists on the bridge. The crash prompted modifications to Air Florida's pilot training regarding anti-ice systems. The FAA also required revised aircraft de-icing procedures at airports.
==Acquisition attempt and bankruptcy==
Air Florida tried to buy out [[Western Airlines]] during the 1980s, to increase its presence in the [[Western United States|West]] and begin flights to [[Mexico]] and western [[Canada]]. The negotiations with Western got Air Florida 16 percent of the [[California]]-based company. Western was later absorbed by [[Delta Air Lines]]. Air Florida filed for [[bankruptcy]] and eventually folded on [[July 3]], [[1984]]. Its assets were acquired by [[Midway Airlines (ML)|Midway Airlines]].[http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9507E6DE1F38F936A2575BC0A963948260]
==Sponsorship==
Air Florida sponsored [[Southampton F.C.|Southampton Football Club]], an [[England|English]] [[Football League]] side, during the [[1983-84 in English football|1983-84 season]], in which Southampton were league runners-up. The deal was cancelled after one season due to Air Florida's insolvency.
==Fleet==
The airline operated the following:
*[[Boeing 707]]
*[[Boeing 727]]
*[[Boeing 737]]
*[[Douglas DC-9]]
*[[Douglas DC-10]]
*[[Lockheed L-188 Electra]]
==External links==
*Airchive.com: [http://www.airchive.com/SITE%20PAGES/TIMETABLES-AIR%20FLORIDA.html Air Florida] timetable and route map images
*timetableimages.com: [http://www.timetableimages.com/ttimages/qh.htm Air Florida] timetable and route map images
*RoadstotheFuture.com: [http://www.roadstothefuture.com/AirFlorida_SubwayDis.html 14th Street Bridge, the Air Florida Crash, and Subway Disaster]
[[Category:Defunct airlines of the United States]]
[[Category:Airlines established in 1971]]
[[Category:Airlines disestablished in 1984]]
[[ja:エア・フロリダ]]
[[no:Air Florida]]