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KAC-CONRAD KALITTA-CHMN-2008-06
CONRAD KALITTA, CHAIRMAN, PRESIDENT, & FOUNDER.
Conrad Kalitta has a lifetime of experience in the airline industry that goes back to 1967, when he began transporting parts for the automotive business with a twin engine Cessna 310 that he piloted himself. Over the years, Kalitta grew from a 1 airplane operation into a substantial airline conglomerate, American International Airways, Inc (AIA), that used 747, L-1011, DC-8, 727, DC-9, Twin Beech, and Learjet airplanes in worldwide airfreight, air ambulance, and charter passenger operations. (AIA) supported the Desert Shield/Desert Storm operations with award winning efforts. (AIA) was one of the world's 25 largest airlines with revenues >$400 million, derived from both scheduled and on-demand air charters, as well as 3rd party engine and airframe maintenance service.
In 1997, (AIA) merged with Kitty Hawk, Inc and Kalitta resigned from the company and the Board of Directors to pursue other interests, mainly to start another company (Kalitta Leasing). Kalitta Leasing is an airplane brokerage company that buys, sells and leases large airplanes. By April 2000, Kitty Hawk International (CKF) (the former (AIA)) ceased operations and filed Chapter 11. Dismayed that the airline he built from scratch was shut down, Kalitta fought to purchase the Aircraft Operations Certificate (AOC) and resurrected the airline. Kalitta Air (KAC) received its (DOT) and (FAA) authority to begin operations in November 2000 and immediately began revenue service. Kalitta quickly obtained the necessary approvals from the government and secured contracts with the US Postal Service (USPS) and the (DOD). After the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, when airports were closed and all flights were grounded, there was one plane in the sky that night, that was not an F-16 fighter. It was a Kalitta Air (KAC) 747 hauling relief supplies from the West coast to aid disaster workers. In 2003, Kalitta was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation for support of the Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom Operations and Kalitta continues to support the (USPS) with scheduled flights delivering mail and packages to the soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan.
In addition to resurrecting the airline, Kalitta has also revived the airplane maintenance facility in Oscoda, Michigan which was once the home of the old Wurtsmith Air Force Base. The (FAA) recently presented Kalitta Air (KAC) with "The Diamond Award," which is the (FAA)’s highest honor for Maintenance Training. Utilizing most of the airport and several hangars, >600 employees work around the clock to maintain the airplanes.
Kalitta is also known as a professional drag racer in the Top Fuel class of the (NHRA). In fact, it was his winnings in drag racing that enabled him to purchase the Cessna 310 that started him in the airline business. Kalitta was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame in June of 1992 for his tremendous contribution to the sport. He has won 5 world championships and has set the world's speed record on >1 occasion. Although not currently in the driver’s seat, he is the team owner and crew chief of 3 (NHRA) Top Fuel dragster teams and 1 (NHRA) Funny Car team.
DOYLE SANDERLIN, GENERAL MANAGER & VP.
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