note

Prime Air was founded by Thomas Thompson, who owned Gulf States Oil and Refining, with plans to operate ACMI services to tour companies. Prior to beginning operations, its name was changed to TransMeridian Airlines. It received DOT authority to provide domestic and foreign charter services on June 30, 1995. It began flying in December 1995, providing service for Funjet Vacations from points in the midwest to Mexico and the Caribbean, using A320s leased from Translift Airways, whose parent owned 25% of TransMeridian. It later flew for public charter operator, Myrtle Beach Jet Express. The airline was sold in 1998 and it also received authority to provide wet-lease services to foreign airlines that could not operate into the US, such as Haiti International Air,, Aeropostal, Air Santo Domingo, Queen Air, and AVIANCA. As a result of Translift's financial problems, TransMeridian filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in September 2000. Although a reorganization plan was filed, the airline never exited bankruptcy. Nevertheless, the airline was able to expand with Boeing 757s and MD-80s. It began operating public charters on behalf of Interstate Jet, and briefly operate public charters on its own. Its contract services were expanded to Travelspan and Vacation Express. The company ceased operations on September 29, 2005 while still in bankruptcy, after it was unable to restructure its aircraft leases.

founded - demised (age)

1995 - September 29 2005  (10)

headquarters

, Houston, TX

web

base airports

KSFB Orlando Sanford International Sanford

home base

related operators

TransAer International Airlines

sister co.