Horizon Air was formed to satisfy the need created when, after the Airline Deregulation Act of 1978, larger airlines abandoned routes within the Northwest. To fill this market niche, entrepreneur Milt Kuolt and a group of venture capitalists founded Horizon in Seattle in September 1981. Horizon brought together 36 enthusiastic employees and a fleet consisting of two leased Fairchild F-27 turboprop aircraft to begin service between Yakima, Pasco and Seattle.

Horizon is not resting on its laurels. The company has one of the youngest, most fuel-efficient fleets of any U.S. regional airline. Horizon has accomplished this through the addition of Bombardier Q400 turboprops and CRJ-700 regional jets (both with 70 seats) and the corresponding retirement of older aircraft.

The new aircraft are roomier and quieter, enhancing the travel experience. The longer range of the CRJ-700s and Q400s also allow Horizon to take customers to new, more-distant markets.

The new aircraft have joined the 37-seat Bombardier Q200s, which were added to the fleet in 1997 and will continue to be used for shorter distances.

Even with the addition of new aircraft and customer service technology (including Web-based ticketing and wireless or Instant Travel Machine check-in), Horizon has never lost sight of its emphasis on the personal touch. Now as much as during the company's early years, Horizon's exceptional employees – known for their dedication and friendliness – draw customers back again and again.

Information obtained from Horizon Air. For more information, please contact the airline or surf to their website at the Homepage address below.