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1965-1980

Air Florida is Deregulation success story. Until it isn’t.

Illustrated map of Florida featuring popular attractions such as Disney World, Orlando, and Miami, with whimsical landmarks and airplanes representing Air Florida routes.
Air Florida Post Card from 1972 showing the original route flown by the airline in its early years of operation. Air Florida used leased Boeing 707 jets for the flights.
Five airline crew members in red uniforms posing inside an airplane cabin.
Air Florida flight attendants in the 1970s reflect the “Hippie aesthetic” of the time. Image courtesy Behind the Wings.
An Air Florida propeller airplane parked on a runway with a clear blue sky in the background.
Air Florida Lockheed L-188C Electra. The Lockheeds were introduced in 1973 when Tallahassee was added to the airline’s system.
Map showing Air Florida routes connecting various cities in the U.S., Europe, and the Caribbean, with a focus on Florida.
Air Florida’s route system in 1984. Last known route map to be published by the airline. Image courtesy Sunshine Skies – Sunshine Skies
An Air Florida aircraft on the tarmac, showcasing its distinctive blue and white livery with the airline's logo.
Air Florida McDonnell Douglas DC-10-30 circa 1981. Image courtesy Sunshine Skies – Sunshine Skies

Origins and early operations

Florida’s first intrastate jet airline, Air Florida, began operating between Miami, Orlando and St. Petersburg in September 1972. Founded by native Miamian Eli Timoner and Ted Griffin, and based at Miami International Airport, the low-cost carrier initially only charged $12 for a one-way ticket within the state. Its original fleet consisted of leased Boeing 707 aircraft, quickly augmented by Lockheed Electra turboprops. Douglas DC-9s, Boeing 737s and 727s were also operated during the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Expansion after Deregulation

Air Florida struggled to survive for most of its intrastate existence, but after the passage of the Airline Deregulation Act of October 1978 and following a merger with rival Florida regional airline Air Sunshine in December 1978, the airline aggressively expanded into the Caribbean, the U.S. northeast, and even operated wide-body DC-10s to Europe. Its rapid growth, budget friendly fares and excellent service resulted in a solid financial turnaround, which made it a poster child as a deregulation success story.

Crisis and decline

Air Florida’s fortunes began to falter when, in the early 1980s, the airline became a target for Cuban hijackers. Its reputation was forever tarnished by the crash of Air Florida Flight 90, a Boeing 737, into the icy Potomac River in Washington in January 1982. It was the beginning of the end for an airline whose rapid growth had made it a deregulation success story. Tragically, 74 people were killed in the crash, which was subsequently determined to have been caused by pilot error/failure to activate the 737-222’s engine anti-ice systems. Following the crash–one of the most publicized airline disasters of the era–the airline struggled with a decline in passenger confidence and mounting losses. Videos of rescue efforts were widely broadcast and subsequent reservations dried up. In July 1984, Air Florida filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. As part of the bankruptcy process, its fleet was grounded for three months. Although it resumed operations after being rebranded Midway Express under a contract with Midway Airlines, it was sold in 1985.

Legacy of a Deregulation cautionary tale

If Air Florida’s rise had made it the poster child for deregulation, its fall made it the poster child for how quickly collapse could occur when safety and finances faltered.

An illustration showing the financial struggles of Air Florida, including profits and losses from 1978 to 1983, along with key historical dates related to the airline's operations.
Miami Herald, July 4, 1984.
Air Florida airplanes parked at Miami International Airport hangar in 1984, with a backdrop of cloudy skies.
Miami Herald, January 30, 2025 – Air Florida airplanes parked outside Hangar 8 on NW 36th Street
View of a section of Air Florida Flight 90 being lifted from the Potomac River by a crane, with recovery personnel and vehicles in the background, Washington D.C., January 20, 1982.
Aerial view of multiple parked airplanes in a disused area, primarily featuring Boeing 737 models with various airline liveries, depicted in black and white.
Above: January 13, 1982. The tragic crash of Air Florida Flight 90 into the Potomac River in Washington resulted in the death of 74 passengers and signaled the beginning of the end for the airline. Photo courtesy People Magazine.
Below: Air Florida’s grounded fleet at MIA, July, 1984. Photo courtesy The Airchive – The Airchive 2.0
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