| Airline: | iAero Airways |
| Fleet Size: | 10 |
| Iata: | WQ |
| Icao: | SWQ |
| Callsign: | SWIFTFLIGHT |
| Parent: | iAero Group |
| Founded: | |
| Commenced: | |
| Aoc: | I5EA212N[1] |
| Headquarters: | Greensboro, North Carolina, U.S. |
iAero Airways, previously named Swift Air, was an American charter airline based in Greensboro, North Carolina with its main hub at Miami International Airport.[2] The airline announced that it would cease all operations on April 6, 2024, after failed restructuring efforts during bankruptcy proceedings.
The airline was established in 1997 and was a customer for the Embraer ERJ-135.[2] In November 2006, the airline received authorization for Part 121 operations and began flying three Boeing 737-400s. These aircraft are each configured with all first class interiors, electrical outlets, and club work areas with tables. The primary use of these aircraft is air transportation for major professional sports team (NBA, NHL, MLB) and for VIP charters.[3]
John McCain's 2008 presidential campaign utilized one of Swift Air's Boeing 737-400s, which was dubbed the Straight Talk Express, the same name given to his bus used earlier in the campaign. In June 2011, Swift Air originally planned to operate public charter flights from Chicago to some European destinations such as Belgrade, Zagreb and Kraków; however, these destinations were only flown in June 2011.
On June 17, 2011, Swift Air voluntarily suspended their Part 121 operations pending an inquiry by the FAA.[4] [5] Swift Air resumed normal part 121 operations on June 25, 2011, after making manual changes to satisfy the FAA.
In 2017, Swift Air announced plans to acquire the Boeing 737-800 assets of the second iteration of Eastern Air Lines stating, "Eastern Air Lines’ name, assets, and associated trademarks will be retained within the transaction.".[6] One aircraft remained painted in Eastern livery to protect the trademark, although the fleet of Dynamic Airways (owned by a co-owner of Swift Air) would eventually take the Eastern name and trademark (as Eastern Airlines, without the space), retaining the Dynamic AOC. Following the acquisition of assets from Eastern Air Lines, Swift Air began operating charter flights to Cuba for Havana Air.
In May 2019, Swift became a subsidiary of iAero Group, an aviation service firm minority owned by The Blackstone Group.[7] Swift Air has announced that it intends to rebrand itself as iAero Airways, following its recent takeover by the iAero Group. A filing with the US Department of Transportation (DOT) on September 9, 2019, stated that, at present time, it intends to retain its corporate name - Swift Air, LLC - and therefore does not seek the re-issuance of its operating licenses and certificates.[8] By December 31, 2019, Swift Air subsequently transition its rebrand as iAero Airways.[9]
On September 20, 2023, the airline announced that it would be filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.[10] On March 14, 2024, it was announced that Eastern Air Express had bid $71 Million dollars to acquire the carrier's assets out of bankruptcy.[11] However, on April 1, 2024, President Timothy Rainey announced in a memo to staff members that the airline would cease all operations at the end of the day on April 6, 2024.[12]
iAero Airways operated charter flights for nationally known fractional aircraft operators, financial institutions, construction and transportation as well as many collegiate athletic departments, professional sports organizations, and major tour operators.[13] It was also a major contractor for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, operating many of the agency's deportation flights as well as flights transporting detainees between immigration detention facilities within the United States.[14] [15]
The airline also provided ACMI services for private owners.
As of April 2024 and prior to the closure of operations, the iAero Airways fleet included the following aircraft:[16] [17]
| Aircraft | In service | Orders | Passengers | Notes | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| F | Y | Total | ||||
| Boeing 737-400 | 4 | - | 12 | 138 | 150 | |
| Boeing 737-800 | 3 | - | - | 189 | 189 | |
| Boeing 737-800BDSF | 3 | - | Cargo | Operated for DHL Aviation | ||
| Total | 10 | - | ||||
As Swift Air, it also operated the following aircraft types:[18]
| Aircraft | Total | Introduced | Retired | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boeing 727-200 | 1 | 2010 | 2013 | |
| Boeing 737-300 | 10 | 2011 | 2024 | |
| Boeing 737-400SF | 2 | 2020 | 2024 | Operated for DHL Aviation |
| Boeing 767-200ER | 1 | 2010 | 2013 | |
| 2017 | 2018 | |||
| Boeing 767-300ER | 1 | 2022 | 2022 | |
| Bombardier Challenger 800 | 1 | 2006 | 2008 | |
| Cessna Citation V | 4 | 1997 | 2006 | |
| Cessna Citation X | 9 | 1997 | 2010 | |
| Dassault Falcon 2000 | 3 | 1999 | 2006 | |
| Embraer Legacy 600 | 8 | 2002 | 2005 | |
| Swearingen Merlin | 1 | 1998 | 2001 | |