Songbird Airways
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Airline |
| Predecessor | Sky King |
| Founded | July 1990 |
| Fate | Acquired by AerLine Holdings LLC |
| Headquarters | Miami, Florida (initially); later Lakeland, Florida , United States |
| Products | Charter airline services, including flights between Florida and Cuba, deportation flights for ICE, sports and corporate charters |
Number of employees | Over 270 (end of 2010) |
Songbird Airways, Inc., initially founded under the name Sky King, was a charter airline based in Miami, Florida. Operating as Sky King, the airline offered flights between Florida and Cuba on behalf of Customer Service Providers (CSPs) and conducted deportation flights for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Additionally, it provided charter transportation for sports franchises and corporate clients utilizing various models of Boeing 737 aircraft. In March 2010, Sky King sought protection under Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection after failing to satisfy payment obligations to its primary creditor, Mercury Air Group.
History
Established in July 1990 as a private enterprise to support the NBA's Sacramento Kings, Sky King began operations with a single BAC One-Eleven aircraft under FAR-125 regulations. By 2002, the airline had obtained a FAR-121 certification, with the majority—approximately 98%—of its flights serving hockey teams. Following challenges such as the 2005 NHL lockout, Hurricane Katrina, and escalating fuel expenses, the company transitioned to an ACMI (Aircraft Crew Maintenance and Insurance) operational model through collaboration with Gold Transportation.
After filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in March 2010, Sky King successfully restructured and emerged from bankruptcy by June 2011. The company moved its headquarters from Sacramento to Lakeland, Florida, aiming to lower maintenance expenditures and concentrate on markets along the East Coast. In October 2010, Aviation Capital Partners Group acquired Sky King, redirecting its strategy from private charters toward scheduled services. By the end of 2010, the airline employed over 270 personnel.
In August 2012, Sky King returned three aircraft to its lessor AerSale and initiated another Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing, which resulted in workforce reductions in both operations and maintenance departments. By December 2013, nearly half of the staff had been furloughed or dismissed; the fleet was downsized to two planes, one of which was grounded due to engine complications. Furthermore, an outstanding tax liability of $23,424.26 dating back to 2009 prevented Sky King from securing air charter contracts with Atlantic City casinos.
Sky King successfully exited Chapter 11 bankruptcy on October 3, 2014, after receiving court approval for its reorganization plan. Shortly thereafter, on October 24, 2014, AerLine Holdings LLC acquired the airline. Operations recommenced on December 22, 2014, following a determination by the U.S. Department of Transportation that the carrier was "fit, willing and able" to operate up to ten aircraft.
On August 30, 2017, Songbird entered into an agreement to sell its shares to USGlobal Airways for $6.5 million with a scheduled closing date of October 15, 2017. However, on November 30 of that year, USGlobal Airways announced it was terminating the acquisition agreement as it no longer aligned with the company's best interests.
Direct Air
Between March and May 2007, Sky King operated a single aircraft on behalf of Direct Air, resuming this arrangement in early 2011 with two planes. Seasonal operations rotated among Palm Beach International Airport (summer), Myrtle Beach (winter), Punta Gorda (fall), and Lakeland (year-round). Direct Air unexpectedly ceased operations on March 13, 2012.
Cuban charters
Sky King offered charter flight services to Cuba for multiple tour operators, flying from Miami and Tampa to destinations such as Cienfuegos, Havana, Camaguey, Holguin, and Santiago de Cuba.
Fly Guam
At the beginning of 2011, Sky King provided ACMI services to the newly established Fly Guam utilizing a single Boeing 737-400. The initial flight network linked Guam with Saipan and Hong Kong, subsequently extending to include Nagoya, Japan, and Koror, Palau. In November 2011, Aviation Capital Partners Group, the parent company of Sky King, purchased a 51% ownership interest. Fly Guam discontinued its operations by the close of 2011.
Fleet
The aircraft previously operated by Sky King consisted of:
| Aircraft | Quantity | Entry into Service | Withdrawal from Service | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAC One-Eleven Series 400AK | 1 | 1998 | 2000 | |
| 2003 | 2004 | |||
| Boeing 737-200 | 12 | 1998 | 2012 | |
| Boeing 737-300 | 2 | 2011 | 2012 | |
| Boeing 737-400 | 5 | 2009 | 2018 | |
| Boeing 767-200ER | 1 | 2009 | 2011 |