Empire Air Lines

Last updated
Empire Air Lines
Founded1944
Ceased operations1952
Operating bases Lewiston, Idaho
Focus cities Boise, Idaho
Spokane, Washington
HeadquartersLewiston, Idaho
Key peopleBert Zimmerly, President
A DC-3 Operated by Empire Air Lines at Boise, Idaho in 1952 EmpireDC-3n62376 (4407526719).jpg
A DC-3 Operated by Empire Air Lines at Boise, Idaho in 1952

Empire Air Lines was a local service carrier that was founded in July 1944 by Bert Zimmerly at Lewiston, Idaho. [1] The founder had formerly been operating Zimmerly Airlines, a commercial charter service that had been operating since 1943. [1] Empire was inactive until early in 1946, when it purchased the assets of Zimmerly Airlines, including ten Boeing 247 aircraft. [1] [2] Starting as an intrastate airline in Idaho, it operated daily round trip service between Coeur d'Alene, Idaho and Pocatello, Idaho with four intermediate stops. [2] The Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) granted temporary permission to the airline to offer interstate feeder lines between Spokane, Washington and locations in Idaho and eastern Oregon. [3] [4]

In 1952, the CAB approved the sale of Empire Air Lines to West Coast Airlines for about $500,000 (equivalent to $2,600,000in 2023). [5]

See also

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References

  1. 1 2 3 "Empire Airlines Soon to Start". The Spokesman-Review. Spokane, Washington. 30 July 1946. p. 6 via Newspapers.com.
  2. 1 2 "Empire Buys 10 Zimmerly Airline Ships". The Times-News. Twin Falls, Idaho. 1 March 1946 via newspapers.com.
  3. "Empire Airlines of Lewiston Gains Permit to Run Spokane-Boise Feeder Line". Spokane Chronicle. 23 May 1946. p. 1 via Newspapers.com.
  4. "West Coast Case". Civil Aeronautics Board Reports. 6. Civil Aeronautics Board: 961–1039. July 1944 – May 1946. hdl: 2027/osu.32437011657786 .
  5. "Empire Airlines Merger With West Coast Okehed". The Idaho Statesman. Boise, Idaho. Associated Press. 28 June 1952 via Newspapers.com.