World Airways MD-11F approaches Runway 10/28 (formerly 9R/27L) at O'Hare International Airport on Wednesday April 9, 2008.
World airways provides air and cargo service and is headquarted in Peachtree, Georgia.
World was a key military contractor during the Vietnam War, flying troops and equipment between the war zone and Oakland International Airport. On March 29, 1975, World operated the last airlift out of Da Nang, Vietnam. Two 727s were flown to Da Nang, one of which landed with company founder Edward Daly aboard. Thousands of evacuees rushed the airplane, which took off on a taxiway under heavy gunfire. The aircraft filled to capacity started its takeoff with the 727's back airstairs still down with Daly fending off additional people trying to board the plane. When the airplane landed at Saigon, an estimated 330 people were on board.
World Airways has been the official air transport of the Jacksonville Jaguars.
On April 5, 2007, World Airways agreed to be acquired and merged into the New ATA Holdings Inc., which was renamed Global Aero Logistics, Inc. The holding company would run three autonomous companies: ATA Airlines (bankrupt April 2, 2008), North American Airlines, and World Airways. Rising jet fuel costs and loss of contracts are cited as reasons for the cessation of operations.
North American will continue as a charter service and World Airways continues as a non-scheduled freighter on demand.
See also ...
worldairways.com or worldair.com
World Airways on Wikipedia ...
North American (official website) -- flynaa.com
North American on Wikipedia ...
Global Aero Logistics, Inc. on Wikipedia ...
