Empire Airlines
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Aviation |
| Predecessor | Clearwater Flying Service |
| Founded | May 1, 1977 in Orofino, Idaho, United States |
| Founder | Nick Chenoweth, Vick Walters |
| Headquarters | Hayden, Idaho , United States |
Area served | United States, Canada |
| Products | Cargo airline services, aircraft maintenance, drone services |
| Website | empireairlines |
Empire Airlines is a cargo-focused airline with a history in passenger transport, headquartered in Hayden, Idaho, close to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. The airline manages more than 120 scheduled freight flights daily, servicing 18 states across the United States as well as Canada. From 2014 until 2021, Empire provided passenger flights in Hawaii under the brand "Ohana by Hawaiian," collaborating with Hawaiian Airlines. Its main operational base is located at Coeur d'Alene Airport, complemented by a hub at Spokane International Airport. The company operates under the motto We Can Do That.
History
Established in May 1977 in Orofino, Idaho originally as Clearwater Flying Service, Empire Airlines was acquired by entrepreneurs Nick Chenoweth and Vick Walters. Shortly after, Mel Spelde joined the team as a flight instructor. The company initially offered varied aviation services including fire patrol missions, air ambulance operations, and charter flights before broadening its scope.
On November 1, 1980, Empire expanded its capabilities by acquiring West Aire, Inc., based in Coeur d'Alene, which allowed entry into aircraft sales and maintenance sectors. The following year, it purchased Executive Aviation in Missoula, Montana and began leasing Twin Otter aircraft to fulfill contracts with the United States Forest Service. By the mid-1980s, Empire had secured government contracts for post-conflict transportation in Grenada and provided services to Hughes Aircraft and the Naval Arctic Research Laboratory.
Empire’s collaboration with FedEx commenced in 1988 through agreements to operate and maintain Cessna 208 Caravan aircraft from locations including Portland, Spokane, and Seattle. The 1989 acquisition of Pacific Alaska Airlines elevated Empire to FAR 121 operator status and expanded its FedEx F27 service offerings.
During the early 1990s, Empire diversified its cargo network and initiated jet operations utilizing British Aerospace BAe 146-200 aircraft for charter services. It also supported Mahalo Air’s startup phase in Hawaii by operating Fokker F27-500 aircraft. By 1995, the company pivoted away from passenger transport towards cargo operations, airline startups, and maintenance services, strengthening its expertise with comprehensive maintenance on Fokker F27s and Short 360 planes.
In the early 2000s, Empire secured a Repair Station certification and incorporated Reliant Logistics as a subsidiary. The addition of ATR 42 aircraft marked a notable modernization of its fleet for FedEx Feeder cargo routes. By 2005, operations were centralized into a new facility adjacent to Coeur d'Alene airport.
Branching into emerging technologies, Empire introduced "Empire Unmanned" drone services in 2013 focused on agricultural and mining applications throughout the Western United States.
On December 31, 2021, Empire Airlines broadened its regional presence by acquiring West Air, another FedEx feeder carrier. This acquisition extended its reach across California and reinforced its standing within the regional cargo market.
'Ohana by Hawaiian service
Empire began operating three ATR 42-500 turboprop aircraft purchased by Hawaiian Airlines for intrastate routes within Hawaii in December 2012. The 'Ohana by Hawaiian service commenced flights to Molokai Airport on March 11, 2014, followed by Lana'i Airport on March 18, 2014.
In 2015, Hawaiian Airlines expanded its cargo network with Empire flying ATR 72 turboprops on additional interisland routes. Nevertheless, all 'Ohana by Hawaiian passenger and cargo operations were halted on January 14, 2021 due to challenges stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic.
On May 27, 2021, Hawaiian Airlines announced it would discontinue the ʻOhana by Hawaiian brand along with all related passenger and cargo services. The ongoing travel disruptions caused by the pandemic rendered continuation impractical. Subsequently, the ATR fleet was transferred to the U.S. mainland for sale.
Former passenger operations
In the early 1990s, Empire Airlines provided scheduled passenger services throughout the Pacific Northwest, utilizing Fairchild F-27 and Swearingen Metroliner "Metro II" turboprop aircraft. By 1993, its route system encompassed cities such as Boise, Coeur d'Alene, Lewiston (ID), along with Olympia, Spokane, and Seattle (WA). The airline initially launched flights connecting Boise and Coeur d'Alene using Cessna 441 Conquest II turboprops; Lewiston was incorporated into the network subsequently.
As of May 1993, Empire’s destinations included Boise, Lewiston, Coeur d'Alene (ID); Portland, Astoria (OR); and Spokane, Pasco, Olympia, Seattle, Hoquiam (WA). The Seattle market was served for a third period following route expansions supported by the introduction of Metro II aircraft.
Aircraft fleet
By July 2024, the Empire Airlines fleet consists of the following models:
| Aircraft | Operational | On order | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| ATR 42-320F | 3 | ||
| ATR 72-212F | 7 | ||
| ATR 72-600F | 2 | ||
| Cessna 208B Super Cargomaster | 34 | ||
| Cessna 408F | 5 | ||
| Total | 54 |
Historic fleet
Empire Airlines has operated various aircraft in the past including:
- ATR 42-300F
- BAe 146-200 – the airline’s sole jet type
- Cessna 441 Conquest II
- de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter
- Fairchild F-27
- Fairchild Swearingen Metroliner "Metro II"
- Fokker F27 Friendship (used -500 and -600 variants for FedEx cargo; -500 series for Mahalo Air passenger service)
- Short 360
Accidents and incidents
- On January 5, 1982, Flight 141, operated by a Piper PA-31 commuter aircraft, crashed near Ithaca, New York. The accident was attributed to flap system malfunction combined with turbulence at low altitude. Both crew members lost their lives and the plane was completely destroyed. This event underscored issues related to maintenance and certification impacting safety protocols.
- On January 11, 1995, a FedEx-leased Cessna 208 Caravan crashed close to Flagstaff, Arizona due to pilot error involving fuel system setup; the pilot did not survive.
- On October 9, 2000, a Cessna 208 Caravan went down on Lummi Island in Washington state amid poor weather conditions and insufficient terrain clearance; the pilot was fatally injured.
- On December 24, 2005, a Cessna 208B Caravan crashed shortly after departing Portland, Oregon following a partial engine power loss during climb-out; the cause remained unresolved.
- On January 27, 2009, Flight 8284—an ATR-42-320 cargo aircraft under contract with FedEx Express—crashed while landing at Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport amid freezing rain. The plane slid off the runway resulting in minor injuries to two crew members.
These occurrences have played a significant role in shaping Empire Airlines’ continuous focus on enhancing operational safety and risk mitigation within its corporate framework.