note
Large regional airline based in Eagan Minnesota. Company can trace its history to an FOB operation called Mesaba Aviation founded in 1944 by Gordy Newstrom in Coleraine MN. In 1970 Halverson family (Duluth) acquires Mesaba Aviation. On February 2nd 1973 scheduled airline operations started under trade name Mesaba Airlines serving rural commuties in Minnesota. Airline was acquired by Swenson family in 1977. After airline deregulation in 1978 airline sought expansion to neighboring states. In 1982 Mesaba Airlines becomes publicly traded company. In 1983 Mesaba became feeder for Republic Airlines. A year later code share agreement was signed with Minneapolis based Northwest Airlines. In 1985 Mesaba moves its headquarters from Grand Rapids MN to Minneapolis. In 1986 NWA acquires Republic Airlines. In 1995 NWA purchased 27% stake in Mesaba. Today airline operates exclusively as Northwest Airlink. In 1998 Mesaba wins prestigious "Regional Airline of the Year" award by ATW. Airline moves it headquarters to Eagan near Minneapolis in 2003. In 2007 Mesaba becomes wholly owned subsidiary of NWA. On June 7th 2007 CRJ-900 is put into service. NWA was acquired by Delta in 2008. Since then, Mesaba operates as Delta Connection serving 110 cities in USA and Canada. In July 2010 Mesaba was acquired by Pinnacle Airlines parent, and the two airlines were consolidated on January 4, 2012.
founded - demised (age)
February 4 1944 - January 4 2012 (68)
headquarters
7501 26th Av. South, Minneapolis, MN
web
base airports
related operators
current /stored fleet (0)
