note

Orion Air was the operating arm of The Aviation Group (TAG). TAG was formed in 1977 with plans to modify and operate Gulfstream Is for cargo services. It began all cargo services in October 1980, and then bought Zantop Airways in February 1981 in order to acquire additional G-1s. In September 1981 it received CAB authority to provide cargo services with large aircraft (727s). It eventually had contracts to fly for Purolator Courier, Emery, and UPS. In October 1984 it received approval to operate scheduled passenger flights, as well as foreign charters, but never used the scheduled authority. In 1985 it was acquired by Primark, a natural gas company that was diversifying into other industries. During the Eastern bankruptcy, Orion was contracted by Eastern to operate several 727s, however the plan was shot down in court. It did operate some passenger subservices for European customers using a 747 in 1989. But with cargo operators acquiring their own certificates, the demand for contract services began to dwindle. Orion was one of the two large contractors for UPS, and that flying was quickly disappearing. At the end of 1989, it was sold to competitor Ryan International.

founded - demised (age)

January 25 1980 - December 31 1989  (9)

headquarters

4505 Falls of Neuse Road, Raleigh, NC

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