note

Big Sky began flying on September 15, 1978, on a Billings-Helena-Kalispell route using a Cessna 402. Operations were expanded throughout Montana, North Dakota, Idaho, and Wyoming, replacing Frontier Airlines in many markets. Handley-Page Jetstreams were acquired, which were later replaced with Metro IIs. The airline entered a code-sharing relationship with Northwest Airlines in 1985, and Jetstream 31s were acquired. The airline filed for bankruptcy in 1989, and the Jetstreams were returned. In 1998, Big Sky expanded into Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas under a government subsidy. Metro IIIs and 23s were acquired to replace Metro IIs. The airline lost the contract a few years later. On December 1, 2002, the airline was acquired by Mesaba Holdings but operated separately from Mesaba Airlines. In 2005, the Metros were replaced with a fleet of Beech 1900Ds leased from Mesa Air Group. In 2007, in an attempt to enter more lucrative markets, it began Delta Connection service on the East Coast, connecting several cities with Boston. Additional government contracts connected a handful of cities with Cincinnati. Seven more Beech 1900s were to be acquired from Commutair. The new routes were not profitable and ended by January 7, 2008. The remainder of the airline was shut down on March 8, 2008.

founded - demised (age)

September 15 1978 - March 8 2008  (30)

headquarters

, Billings, MT

web

base airports

KBIL Logan Field Billings

related operators

Northwest Airlink	contract 1985-1989
Delta Connection	contract 2007-2008