Sunshine Skies Historic Commuter Airlines of Florida and Georgia, written by David P. Henderson

VINTAGE AIRWAYS

While Vintage Airways wasn't a commuter airline, it was often mistaken for one. Founded by Richard Branson (hence the Virgin-esque paint scheme), Vintage operated nostalgia air tour flights between Orlando and Key West as well as local sightseeing flights during the mid 1990s. Flights were later moved from Orlando International Airport to the less congested Kissimmee airport and flights were also offered between Ft. Lauderdale and Key West.

Vintage flew two DC-3s, N22RB (msn 4926) and N12RB (msn 20401). N22RB was named "Eve" in honor of Richard Branson's mother, who had worked as a "Star Girl" flight attendant in post-war England.

Vintage Airways Douglas DC-3 in 1994.

Two brochures from 1993 emphasize Vintage Airways' theme of 1940s nostalgia. Flight attendants, dressed in 40s-style uniforms, handed out vintage Life magazines as big band music played over the p.a. system.

Close up of N12RB, aka "Amelia", shows the DC-3's distinctive insignia. The aircraft was named in honor of Amelia Earhart. Photo by Mark Fidler.

NEXT AIRLINE: WINGS AIR

BACK TO GALLERY INDEX

Sunshine Skies Historic Commuter Airlines of Florida and Georgia by David P. Henderson
Zeus Henderson Zeus Press