note
Original local service air carrier. Company was founded in Houston by major William "Bill" Long who owned an FBO operation at Houston Hobby airport. Essair which stood for Efficiency, Safety and Speed in the Air commenced operations in January 1939 on route from Houston to Austin, Abilene, Lubbock and Amarillo carrying mail. Airline was immediately challenged by Braniff and had to stop operating pending court proceedings. In November 1943 C.A.A. issued certificate to the new airline allowing it to operate the Houston - Amarillo route.
Essair resumed operations in August 1945 using Lockheed L-10A. In May 1946 Essair changed its name to Pioneer Air Lines and purchased larger and better equipped DC-3s. The first feeder airline was born.
Essair operated its Douglas DC-3s and later Martin 2-0-2s from the Houston Municipal Air Terminal (Hobby Airport) throughout Texas, into Oklahoma and New Mexico. In 1949 its corporate headquarters were moved to Dallas.
Airline merged with Continental Air Lines in April 1955.
founded - demised (age)
1939 - April 1 1955 (16)
headquarters
, Dallas, TX
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base airports
related operators
current /stored fleet (0)
