Amerijet International
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Cargo airline |
| Founded | 1974 |
| Founder | David Bassett |
| Headquarters | Miami , United States |
Area served | Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Middle East |
Key people | Vicken L. Karjian (CEO) |
| Products | Cargo transport, pharmaceutical logistics, perishable goods handling, oversized cargo shipments, live animal transportation, charter services, trucking and expedited shipping solutions |
| Parent | ZS Fund L.P. |
| Website | www |
Amerijet International Airlines, Inc. is a United States-based cargo airline with its headquarters located in Miami. The airline operates a fleet primarily composed of Boeing 767 aircraft from its central hub at Miami International Airport. It serves 48 destinations throughout the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, and South America. Additionally, Amerijet’s reach extends worldwide to 476 locations spanning Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
History
Established in 1974 by entrepreneur David Bassett alongside a business partner under the name "Professional Charter Services," Amerijet initially utilized a leased Cessna 401 to provide both passenger and cargo transportation between the United States and the Bahamas. By 1976, the company transitioned exclusively to cargo operations and secured courier service agreements with leading logistics firms including Purolator, FedEx, UPS, DHL, and Airborne Express during the early 1980s. In 1982, Bassett became the sole owner and adopted the name Amerijet International.
Amerijet’s primary offerings encompass general freight transport, pharmaceutical logistics, perishable goods handling, oversized cargo shipments, live animal transportation, and charter services. The company also delivers trucking and expedited shipping solutions with a strong emphasis on last-mile delivery throughout the Caribbean as well as Central and South American markets.
The airline encountered public scrutiny due to its involvement in transporting research animals but discontinued primate shipments in 2011 following pressure from activist groups.
After filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in August 2001, Amerijet completed financial restructuring and exited bankruptcy by the end of that year. H.I.G. Capital maintained majority ownership from 2001 until July 2016 when private equity firm ZS Fund L.P. took over ownership. At that time, Vicken L. Karjian was named CEO, representing a significant leadership change.
Labor relations remained stable after the airline signed a new four-year agreement in 2009 with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters covering flight crew personnel.
In July 2022, Amerijet broadened its international footprint by entering a CMI agreement with shipping leader Maersk to operate three Boeing 767-300 Freighters on trans-Pacific routes. These aircraft were initially ordered by Longhao Airlines but were reassigned to Amerijet’s operations.
Confronted with financial difficulties in January 2024, Amerijet launched a restructuring initiative that involved returning six Boeing 757-200PCF freighters to lessors, implementing workforce reductions except for flight crew positions, raising $55 million in capital from existing lenders, and postponing further Boeing 767 acquisitions to enhance liquidity and stabilize financial results.
Current fleet
As of August 2024, Amerijet International’s active fleet consists of:
| Aircraft | In service |
Orders | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boeing 767-300ER/BDSF | 18 | — | All aircraft converted from passenger versions. | |
| Boeing 767-300F | 3 | — | Operated on behalf of Maersk as part of trans-Pacific cargo expansion. | |
| Total | 21 | — | ||
Former fleet
Amerijet's historical fleet included the following aircraft types:
| Aircraft Model | Quantity | Year Introduced | Year Retired | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbus A321-200/P2F | 2 | 2021 | 2022 | Operated under lease agreement with Titan Airways. |
| Boeing 727-100F | 11 | 1985 | 1998 | |
| Boeing 727-200F | 22 | 1989 | 2018 | |
| Boeing 757-200PCF | 6 | 2021 | 2024 | Returned to lessors during company restructuring. |
| Boeing 767-200BDSF | 8 | 2010 | 2024 |
See also
External links
- Articles with short description
- American companies established in 1974
- Airlines established in 1974
- Cargo airlines of the United States
- Companies based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
- Companies based in Miami
- Airlines based in Florida
- 1974 establishments in Florida
- 5
- Companies of the United States by year of establishment