In August 1991, Ross Fischer and George Lyall, two executives from Eastern Air Lines, founded Miami Air International having one goal in mind: to create the ultimate charter airline that is committed to the highest standards of safety, reliability, and customer service.
In October 1991, Miami Air International started operations using leased Boeing 727-200 aircraft. From its hub at Miami International Airport, the airline spread its wings over Miami offering passenger charter flights for diverse groups such as cruise operators and professional sports teams.
In 1992, the Department of Defense certified Miami Air as a CRAF (Civil Reserve Air Fleet) carrier to provide commercial air transportation to support all military service branches. Since then, Miami Air has also provided services to the governments of other countries and various global organizations to support diplomatic, peacekeeping, commercial, and cultural missions.
In 1996, Miami Air conducted charter operations on behalf of the US Air Force in Europe.
By 2000, Miami Air International primarily operated Boeing 727 aircraft. The fleet grew to 8 aircraft, and the revenues to over $100 million. That year, a majority stake in the company was bought by a consortium led by Eagle Global Logistics, primarily from retiring shareholders.
Starting 2000, the fleet was refreshed with new Boeing 737-800s. The 727s were slated for conversion to cargo aircraft, operating under the Quest International name, but the events of September 11, 2001, drove changes in the industry, resulting in significant decline in cargo demand, and the company’s exit from cargo service.
In 2004, Miami Air International was purchased by TSI Holding Co., one of the largest privately held companies in St. Louis, that has been a 12 percent owner of Miami Air since 2000. That year, Miami Air introduced a new livery still in use today.
In 2006, two Boeing 737-400 configured with all first class seating, 68 plush leather first-class seats, were added to the fleet. Alongside the Boeing 737-400, Miami Air fleet included another four Boeing 737-800 in a single class configuration of 168 seats or two-class configuration that include up to 48 first class seats.
In 2017-2018, the two Boeing 737-400 configured with all first class seating left the Miami Ai fleet, to which three Boeing B737 800 aircraft were added.
Today, Miami Air International is one of the world’s premier charter airlines with a state-of-the-art fleet of Boeing 737 that fly charter passengers all over the world. Its operations are worldwide covering every continent except Antarctica. The broad base of customers includes sports teams, corporate incentive groups, the entertainment industry, Fortune 500 companies, major cruise lines, tour operators, schools, and various governments and agencies. Under the CRAF program, Miami Air International is contracted by the United States Air Force Air Mobility Command (USAF AMC) to transport troops and cargo.
No fatal accidents involving Miami Air International aircraft were registered so far. Safety is Miami Air’s number one priority. Six-time winner of the FAA’s Diamond Award of Excellence, Miami Air far exceeds all FAA standards, including implementation of a safety management system, and is also certified by the United States Department of Defense.
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