Check Six: Trans-Pacific Airlines – 61+ years ago
The Douglas DC-3 of Trans-Pacific Airlines “The Aloha Airline” and its crew in front of the old control tower at Honolulu International. #WeMissAlohaAirlines pic.twitter.com/CA2JnFH0OP
— Hawaii Aviation ✪ (@HawaiiAviation) March 31, 2019
The airline was founded as charter carrier Trans-Pacific Airlines by publisher Ruddy F. Tongg, Sr. as a competitor to Hawaiian Airlines, commencing operations on July 26, 1946, with a single World War II-surplus Douglas C-47 (DC-3) on a flight from Honolulu to Maui and Hilo. The name reflected Tongg’s vision of a trans-oceanic airline connecting California, Hawaii, and China. It soon earned the nickname “The Aloha Airline” and was flying four aircraft by the end of the year. Approval to operate as a scheduled airline came when President Harry S. Truman signed the certificate on February 21, 1949, with the first scheduled flight on June 6, 1949, following ceremonies held the previous day. (Wikipedia)
Trans-Pacific Airlines transitioned to Aloha Airlines in late 1958. On March 30, 2008, Aloha Airlines announced the suspension of all scheduled passenger flights, with the final day of operation to be March 31, 2008.
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