Airborne Express
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Cargo airline, Express delivery |
| Founded | 1946 |
| Fate | Acquired by DHL in 2003 |
| Headquarters | Seattle, Washington , United States |
Area served | United States |
Airborne Express was a cargo airline and express delivery firm based in Seattle, Washington, with its principal hub located in Wilmington, Ohio. Established in 1946 originally as the Airborne Flower Traffic Association of California to facilitate the shipment of flowers from Hawaii to the continental United States, it eventually became the third largest privately owned express courier in the U.S., trailing only behind FedEx and United Parcel Service. In 2003, the company was acquired by DHL.
History
Airborne experienced steady expansion until 1968, when operating under the name Airbourne Freight Company, it began integrating innovations such as the patented "C" container developed by Air Cargo Equipment Corporation. This container enhanced cargo space utilization within jet aircraft without requiring expensive modifications to cargo doors. Around this period, Airborne merged with Pacific Air Freight from Seattle, moved its headquarters there, and adopted the name Airborne Freight Corporation, which it maintained until 1980.
Expansion from 1980 to 2003
- 1980: Following its acquisition of Midwest Air Charter, the company was renamed Airborne Express Inc. Notably, it became the first airline to purchase and operate an airport by acquiring Clinton County Air Force Base in Wilmington. This location became its central freight sorting facility, supported by a fleet that included NAMC YS-11 turboprop freighters.
- 1988: The company broadened its offerings through acquiring Sky Courier (now DHL SameDay) and forging agreements with private logistics providers throughout its network. Its vehicles and drivers adopted a distinctive gray, red, and black color scheme. Additionally, Airborne introduced a cost-efficient second-day delivery service inspired by FedEx's "P2" program.
- 1989: The brand was changed to ABX Air.
- Early 1990s: The company secured significant contracts including one with Volvo and rolled out prepaid express options such as Flight-Ready SM and Express Pack.
- 1993: Debuted the Airborne Logistics System (ALS), which improved warehousing and distribution operations.
- 1994: Established an Ocean Services Division; collaborated with ALS to develop a film distribution initiative for Technicolor laboratories; expanded partnerships into Vietnam.
- 1995: Added a second runway at Wilmington and integrated Boeing 767 aircraft into its fleet; created the Airborne Alliance Group to coordinate various departments.
- 1996: The stock price tripled, prompting a two-for-one split in 1998; also launched Airborne Brokerage Services.
- 1998: Entered the ranks of the Fortune 500; earned The Business Consumer Guide award; commenced operations using Boeing 767 jets.
- 1999: Formed the Airborne@Home partnership with the United States Postal Service.
- 2000: Carl Donaway took over as president and began restructuring management; initiated ground service operations.
- 2001: Rolled out Ground Delivery Service and a 10:30 AM Delivery option; introduced online platforms including Small Business Center and Airborne eCourier.
- August 14, 2003: Shareholders voted in favor of acquisition by DHL, effective August 15. DHL retained ground operations while spinning off air services as ABX Air, Inc.
Incidents and accidents
Airborne Express was involved in seven notable accidents, which included six total aircraft losses and two fatal incidents.
- On June 11, 1979, a de Havilland Dove operated by Midwest Air Charter on behalf of Airborne Express performed a wheels-up landing at St. Louis Lambert International Airport. Both crew members survived, but the plane was declared a total loss.
- On June 19, 1980, a Sud Aviation Caravelle VI-R experienced a hard landing at Atlanta Municipal Airport caused by wake turbulence, resulting in the collapse of its left main landing gear. All four occupants survived; however, the aircraft sustained irreparable damage.
- On February 5, 1985, a McDonnell Douglas DC-9-15 crashed shortly after departing Philadelphia International Airport. The pilots both survived, but the aircraft was written off.
- On August 20, 1987, Airborne Express Flight 124, operated by a DC-9-31, suffered a tail strike when an Emery Worldwide DC-8-63F landed without clearance at Stewart International Airport. No fatalities occurred; both planes were repaired and returned to service.
- On January 29, 1990, a Cessna 208 Caravan crashed following takeoff from Burlington International Airport due to excessive loading and failure to de-ice. The pilot and passenger died—marking Airborne Express's first fatal accident.
- On March 6, 1992, during a training flight with a NAMC YS-11A at Wilmington-Airborne Airpark, the crew neglected to extend the landing gear and executed a belly landing. All three crew members survived; the aircraft was subsequently written off.
- On December 22, 1996, Flight 827, operated by a Douglas DC-8-63F during a test flight near Narrows, Virginia, crashed, resulting in the deaths of all six individuals onboard. This incident remains the airline's most severe accident.