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Presidential Airways (scheduled)

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Presidential Airways
Company typeAirline
IndustryAviation
Founded1985
FounderHarold J. (Hap) Pareti
Defunct1989
FateFiled for Chapter 11 bankruptcy; ceased operations
Headquarters
Washington, D.C.
,
United States
Area served
United States, Canada
Key people
Harold J. (Hap) Pareti (founder)
ProductsAir transportation services

Presidential Airways (IATA code: XV, callsign: WASHINGTON EAGLE) was an airline based at Washington Dulles International Airport in Northern Virginia. Established in 1985 by Harold J. (Hap) Pareti, who previously served as an executive at People Express Airlines, the airline began operations with a modest fleet of Boeing 737-200 aircraft, initiating flights between Washington Dulles and Boston Logan.

History

After its inception, Presidential broadened its route system and merged with the original Colgan Air in 1986. This expansion brought British Aerospace BAe 146-200 jets into its fleet and included orders for de Havilland Canada DHC-8-300 Dash 8 turboprops, of which only two were delivered. Encountering financial difficulties, the airline shifted focus to regional feeder services through code-share agreements. It operated Continental Express flights on behalf of Continental Airlines, Pan Am Express for Pan Am starting in 1987, and United Express for United Airlines beginning in 1988.

In 1989, amid a surge of interest in developing hubs in the southeastern United States, Presidential attempted to create a mini-hub at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport. However, ongoing financial instability resulted in the company filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on October 26, 1989. Operations were terminated on December 5, 1989; during this period, assets were sold off and employee wages were reduced to improve liquidity.

Prior to shutting down, the airline's fleet consisted of twelve BAe Jetstream 31/32 turboprops (some operated under contract), two Beechcraft 1900s, eight BAe 146 jets, and one older Boeing 737. The Jetstream and Dash 8 turboprops served United Express routes; aircraft liveries varied to reflect partnerships with United Express, Eastern Metro Express, and Continental Express. The Boeing 737 was mainly deployed on the Washington Dulles to MacArthur-Islip service and gained recognition as transportation during the 1988 presidential campaign.

The Beechcraft 1900 aircraft were sold early on to help finance operations. The mixed fleet composition and evolving business strategy highlighted Presidential’s difficulties in sustaining market presence and profitability within a competitive regional airline sector.

Fleet

Destinations

As of July 3, 1986, Presidential Airways operated independently from its hub at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), offering primarily nonstop jet services without engaging in code-sharing agreements. Notable destinations included:

  • Akron-Canton, OH (CAK)
  • Allentown, PA (ABE)
  • Atlanta, GA (ATL)
  • Birmingham, AL (BHM)
  • Boston, MA (BOS)
  • Chattanooga, TN (CHA)
  • Cincinnati, OH (CVG)
  • Cleveland, OH (CLE)
  • Daytona Beach, FL (DAB)
  • Detroit, MI (DTW)
  • Elmira, NY (ELM)
  • Hartford, CT (BDL)
  • Huntsville, AL (HSV)
  • Islip, NY (ISP)
  • Indianapolis, IN (IND)
  • Knoxville, TN (TYS)
  • Melbourne, FL (MLB)
  • Miami, FL (MIA)
  • Montreal, Quebec, Canada - Mirabel International Airport (YMX) – the airline’s only international destination
  • New York City, NY - LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
  • Portland, ME (PWM)
  • Providence, RI (PVD)
  • Sarasota, FL (SRQ)
  • Savannah, GA (SAV)
  • Washington, D.C. - Dulles International Airport (IAD) – Hub
  • West Palm Beach, FL (PBI)

See also

External links

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