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AirNet Express
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AirNet Express
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AirNet is an American Part 135 cargo airline based in Franklin County, Ohio, United States, near Columbus.[1] It specializes in delivery of documents and small packages. Banks were once their main client, transporting checks for over 300 of the country's largest banks. With the passing of the Check 21 Act, and the increase in the usage of electronic banking, this has been greatly reduced. AirNet is now focusing on time critical documents and packages, such as those required in the scientific and medical field. The main sort facility is located at Rickenbacker International Airport in Columbus. In September 2008, AirNet announced that they were moving their sort facility to Chicago, reducing the number of aircraft, and redesigning their route network. Their corporate headquarters remains in Columbus.[2][3]

Key Information

History

[edit]

Financial Air Express / PDQ was founded in 1974 by Gerald Mercer in Pontiac, MI. Jet Courier was founded at about the same time by Donald Wright in Cincinnati, OH. Jet Courier changed its name to Wright International Express in January 1985. In July 1988, these two companies merged to become US Check Airlines, headed by Gerald Mercer. US Check acquired Air Continental of Norwalk, OH a year later to become a dominant player in the cancelled check transportation industry. US Check later acquired Midway Aviation of Dallas, TX, Pacific Air Charter of San Diego, CA, Express Convenience Center of Southfield, Massachusetts and Data Air Courier of Chicago, Illinois.[4]

In order to raise additional capital and further grow the company, US Check went public in 1998 to become AirNet Systems. In 2008, AirNet Systems was purchased by Bayside Capital, which had once owned the now defunct Flight Express of Orlando, FL. In August 2015 Kalitta Charters acquired AirNet.[5]

Destinations

[edit]

AirNet's destinations (As of January 2019):[6]

AirNet Express Destinations
City, State Airport Airport Code
(IATA/ICAO) 		Hub
Albuquerque, New Mexico Albuquerque International Sunport ABQ/KABQ
Atlanta, Georgia DeKalb-Peachtree Airport PDK/KPDK
Atlanta, Georgia Fulton County Airport FTY/KFTY
Baltimore, Maryland Martin State Airport MTN/KMTN
Bedford, Massachusetts Hanscom Field BED/KBED
Billings, Montana Billings Logan International Airport BIL/KBIL
Birmingham, Alabama Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport BHM/KBHM
Boston, Massachusetts Logan International Airport BOS/KBOS
Boston, Massachusetts Lawrence Municipal Airport LWM/KLWM
Buffalo, New York Buffalo Niagara International Airport BUF/KBUF
Burbank, California Hollywood Burbank Airport BUR/KBUR
Charlotte, North Carolina Charlotte/Douglas International Airport CLT/KCLT
West Chicago, Illinois DuPage Airport DPA/KDPA
Cincinnati, Ohio Cincinnati Municipal Lunken Airport LUK/KLUK
Cleveland, Ohio Cleveland Burke Lakefront Airport BKL/KBKL
Columbus, Ohio Rickenbacker International Airport LCK/KLCK Hub
Addison, Texas Addison Airport ADS/KADS
Denver, Colorado Centennial Airport APA/KAPA
Des Moines, Iowa Des Moines International Airport DSM/KDSM
Detroit-Ypsilanti, Michigan Willow Run Airport YIP/KYIP
Fort Lauderdale, Florida Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport FXE/KFXE
Fort Wayne, Indiana Fort Wayne International Airport FWA/KFWA
Hartford-Windsor Locks, Connecticut Bradley International Airport BDL/KBDL
Helena, Montana Helena Regional Airport HLN/KHLN
Houston, Texas William P. Hobby Airport HOU/KHOU
Jacksonville, Florida Executive at Craig Airport CRG/KCRG
Jacksonville, Florida Jacksonville International Airport JAX/KJAX
Kansas City, Missouri Charles B. Wheeler Downtown Airport MKC/KMKC
Memphis, Tennessee Memphis International Airport MEM/KMEM
Miami, Florida Opa-Locka Airport OPF/KOPF
Milwaukee, Wisconsin General Mitchell International Airport MKE/KMKE
New Orleans, Louisiana Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport MSY/KMSY
Omaha, Nebraska Eppley Airfield OMA/KOMA
Orlando, Florida Orlando Executive Airport ORL/KORL
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Greater Pittsburgh International Airport PIT/KPIT
Phoenix, Arizona Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport PHX/KPHX
Portland, Oregon Hillsboro Airport HIO/KHIO
Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina Raleigh–Durham International Airport RDU/KRDU
Richmond, Virginia Richmond International Airport RIC/KRIC
Rochester, Minnesota Rochester International Airport RST/KRST
Saint Louis, Missouri St. Louis Downtown Airport CPS/KCPS
Saint Paul, Minnesota St. Paul Downtown Airport STP/KSTP
Seattle, Washington Boeing Field BFI/KBFI
South Bend, Indiana South Bend Regional Airport SBN/KSBN
Tampa, Florida Tampa International Airport TPA/KTPA
Teterboro, New Jersey Teterboro Airport TEB/KTEB
Washington D.C. Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport DCA/KDCA
Washington D.C. Washington Dulles International Airport IAD/KIAD

Fleet

[edit]

The Airnet Express fleet consists of the following aircraft (As of May 2012):[7]

AirNet Express Fleet
Aircraft Total Notes
Bombardier Learjet 35 6
Bombardier Learjet 35A 18
Cessna 208 16
Beechcraft Baron BE-58 39
Piper PA-31 Navajo 16

Accident

[edit]

An AirNet Beechcraft Baron was lost in a crash on 8 January 2022 near Defiance, Missouri, killing the two occupants. The plane had been traveling to Centennial Airport in Colorado.[8]

[edit]
  • N105AN a Cessna 208 Caravan at Burke Lakefront Airport
    N105AN a Cessna 208 Caravan at Burke Lakefront Airport
  • N106AN a Cessna 208 at Burke Lakefront Airport
    N106AN a Cessna 208 at Burke Lakefront Airport
  • N107AN a Cessna 208 Caravan at Burke Lakefront Airport
    N107AN a Cessna 208 Caravan at Burke Lakefront Airport
  • N108AN a Cessna 208 Caravan at Burke Lakefront Airport
    N108AN a Cessna 208 Caravan at Burke Lakefront Airport

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

AirNet Express

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from Grokipedia
AirNet Express is an American on-demand cargo airline based in , specializing in the rapid transportation of time-critical small packages, documents, medical supplies, life sciences materials, , and using a fleet of small . Founded in 1974 as PDQ Air Service by in , with a single pilot and minimal capital, the company initially focused on delivering urgent items for businesses, quickly expanding into a network serving the banking sector by transporting checks and financial documents for over 300 major U.S. banks. In 1988, it merged with Jet Courier Systems, another early entrant in air express services, to strengthen its operations and form a more robust national presence. By the , AirNet had grown into a leading provider of scheduled and flights, operating up to 130 and conducting nearly 200 nightly flights at its peak, with its main sorting facility at in Columbus. The airline went public in 1996 but faced challenges from the decline of paper-based banking due to electronic alternatives, leading to a pivot toward medical and scientific cargo in the early 2000s. In 2015, AirNet Express was acquired by Kalitta Charters, a subsidiary of Doug Kalitta Holdings, which integrated it into its operations as AirNet II to focus on specialized charter services while retaining expertise in high-value and hazardous shipments. Today, under this structure, it operates as a Part 135 air carrier with a fleet including Learjet 35s and Beechcraft Barons, offering 24/7 availability for direct, non-stop flights across the United States and Canada, emphasizing safety certifications for transporting sensitive materials like radiopharmaceuticals. Headquartered near Rickenbacker International Airport, where it maintains its primary hub and maintenance facilities, AirNet Express continues to serve critical logistics needs in industries requiring precision and speed.

History

Founding and early development

AirNet Express traces its origins to 1974, when Gerald G. Mercer founded Financial Air Express (also known as PDQ Air Service) in , to provide overnight air delivery services for financial documents and checks using small aircraft. The company quickly established itself as a specialized targeting the banking sector, operating short-haul flights to meet the time-sensitive needs of financial institutions across the Midwest. At the same time, Jet Courier was launched in , , by Donald Wright, focusing on similar services for banks and expanding the regional network for check transportation and document delivery. In July 1988, Financial Air Express and Wright International Express (formerly Jet Courier) merged to form US Check Airlines, with Mercer at the helm, consolidating operations to enhance efficiency and coverage for the growing demand in financial courier services. The merged entity continued to prioritize overnight deliveries, building a reputation for reliability in handling high-value, time-critical shipments. Prior to its initial public offering, US Check Airlines rebranded as AirNet Systems and relocated its headquarters to , to leverage proximity to major logistics hubs like . This period marked significant early growth, including fleet expansion with piston and turboprop aircraft such as the and Piper Navajo, which were well-suited for short-haul routes and frequent stops in the company's core network. A pivotal milestone occurred in 1996, when AirNet Systems completed its on under the ticker symbol ANSY, raising capital to support further operational scaling and infrastructure investments.

Expansion, challenges, and mergers

Following the , 2001 terrorist attacks, AirNet Systems faced significant operational disruptions due to heightened regulations imposed by the , which increased screening requirements and costs for cargo operations. The grounding of flights nationwide immediately after the attacks halted check transport services, exacerbating a broader decline in demand as banks sought alternatives amid economic uncertainty and slower check volumes. These challenges led to route reductions and financial strain, with the company reporting ongoing impacts from post-9/11 measures in its regulatory filings. The enactment of the in 2003, which became effective in October 2004, further intensified these pressures by authorizing electronic check imaging and clearing, drastically reducing the need for physical check transportation that had been AirNet's core business. This shift caused Bank Services revenues to decline by approximately 2% in 2006 alone, with millions lost overall as electronic alternatives proliferated, forcing the company to confront a shrinking market for its primary . In response, AirNet pursued diversification into Express Services, targeting time-critical shipments in life sciences, medical supplies, and media, where revenues grew by 13% in 2006 to offset the losses. Financial difficulties mounted throughout the mid-2000s, culminating in a $13.3 million loss from continuing operations in , driven by $24.6 million in non-cash impairment charges and rising costs that increased 13% that year. To address these issues, AirNet implemented cost-cutting measures, including the elimination of 45 flights—about 10% of its weekday schedule—effective March 2007, which reduced annual revenues by an estimated $4.5 million but was partially offset by lower operating expenses. The company's stock price fell below listing requirements, leading to delisting in June 2008 as part of its transition to private ownership amid near-bankruptcy conditions. Despite these setbacks, AirNet expanded its operational capabilities in the late , growing its fleet to 101 aircraft by December 2006, including the addition of 14 turboprops for longer-haul routes to support diversified cargo needs. This fleet buildup, which exceeded 80 aircraft into the late decade, enabled service to over 85 cities and enhanced capacity for Express Services growth. In March 2008, AirNet Systems agreed to a merger with an affiliate of Bayside Capital, a , for approximately $28.7 million, or $2.81 per share—a 93.8% premium over its March 28 closing price—allowing the company to go private and restructure under new ownership. The deal, completed in June 2008 for a total value of about $34 million including share purchases, provided capital to stabilize operations amid the check transport collapse. Post-acquisition, AirNet shifted focus to time-critical small package deliveries, selling its Jetride passenger charter unit in September 2006 for $41 million to streamline resources. As part of the restructuring, AirNet relocated its primary sorting facility and hub operations from , to in September , redesigning its route network and reducing aircraft numbers to align with the new . This move, accompanied by layoffs, aimed to cut costs and improve efficiency for the revamped Express Services emphasis, marking a pivotal to the company's evolving market challenges.

Acquisition by Kalitta and modern operations

Following further restructuring under private ownership, AirNet relocated its primary hub from to in 2012 to optimize operations amid continued decline in traditional check transport services. In August 2015, acquired the operational assets of AirNet Systems, Inc., a Columbus, Ohio-based specialized carrier, for an undisclosed amount. The deal retained approximately 35 employees, primarily in Columbus with some in and Omaha, and preserved the company's operational base at . This acquisition marked a significant shift for AirNet, transitioning it from financial challenges under prior ownership to a more stable platform within the Kalitta family of companies, with operations returning to Columbus as the primary hub. Post-acquisition, AirNet was integrated into Holdings, the parent entity overseeing and related aviation businesses, which highlighted synergies in on-demand cargo charters and aircraft maintenance services. These synergies enabled combined expertise in handling time-sensitive shipments and providing avionics installations, repair station operations, and specialized maintenance under FAA Part 135 and Part 145 certifications. The integration strengthened AirNet's position in the competitive sector by leveraging Kalitta's broader fleet and logistical network for enhanced reliability and scalability. By 2015-2016, the company rebranded as AirNet II, focusing on expansion into high-priority niches such as and life sciences transport. This included certified handling of radioactive pharmaceuticals, materials, organs, and other temperature-controlled medical items, with compliance to international standards like IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations and GDP guidelines. The rebranding aligned with growing demand for secure, rapid delivery in these sectors, utilizing AirNet II's dedicated facilities and trained personnel. From 2020 to 2025, AirNet II prioritized operational enhancements, including 24/7/365 availability for (AOG) services to support immediate parts delivery and minimize downtime for clients in and . These developments emphasized core strengths in next-flight-out charters without reported major expansions, fleet overhauls, or divestitures as of November 2025.

Corporate affairs

Ownership and leadership

AirNet Express operates as a wholly owned of Kalitta Charters, which is fully owned by through his holding company, Doug Kalitta Holdings, following the 2015 acquisition that integrated it into the Kalitta portfolio. No changes to this ownership structure have been reported as of 2025, maintaining its status as a private entity under Kalitta's control. The company's leadership is headed by , who serves as CEO of and its subsidiaries, including AirNet Express (now operating as AirNet II). Kalitta, born in 1964, began his aviation career in 1982 after obtaining an Airframe and Powerplant license and has since built expertise in charter operations, maintenance, and cargo transport while also achieving prominence as an NHRA Top Fuel drag racing champion. His oversight emphasizes specialized cargo services, drawing from a family legacy in aviation started by his uncle, . AirNet Express's ownership history reflects transitions from public to private status. It operated as a publicly traded entity, AirNet Systems, Inc., from its 1996 until June 2008, when it was acquired and taken private by investment firm Bayside Capital for approximately $28.7 million. Bayside held ownership until August 2015, when purchased the company to expand its small-package express and charter capabilities. As a privately held , AirNet Express maintains a lean of approximately 115 employees, focused primarily on pilots, , and support staff operating from bases in and . Its financial status remains opaque due to the absence of public filings since the acquisition, but annual revenues are estimated at around $28.6 million, derived from its fleet-based and operations.

Headquarters and facilities

AirNet Express maintains its primary headquarters at Rickenbacker International Airport (LCK) in Columbus, Ohio, which has served as the company's main operational hub since its relocation there in 2005. The facility at 7250 Star Check Drive encompasses corporate offices, sorting operations, and a dedicated maintenance center. The Rickenbacker site houses a FAR Part 145 certified repair station (BSYR610C) that provides comprehensive aircraft maintenance, including avionics installations and upgrades, as well as repairs to hydraulics, control systems, and electrical components. Following the 2015 acquisition by Kalitta Charters, these capabilities were enhanced to better support the company's focus on specialized cargo, with the maintenance base retained and integrated into broader operations. The facility enables 24/7 sorting and handling for time-sensitive shipments, including temperature-controlled items and hazardous materials such as radioactive pharmaceuticals, organs, and clinical trial specimens. A secondary operational base is located in , , supporting regional flights, pilot basing, and logistics coordination. As of 2025, under its parent company Doug Kalitta Holdings, AirNet Express integrates maintenance resources with affiliated facilities in , at Willow Run Airport, allowing for expanded repair and overhaul services across the network. No dedicated facility remains in after the reversal of a planned 2008 relocation.

Operations

Business model and specialized services

AirNet Express operates as a Part 135 specializing in on-demand and scheduled services for time-critical shipments, primarily focusing on small packages weighing under 100 pounds. This emphasizes rapid response times, with availability nationwide and the capability to arrange flights within two hours of request, supported by a fleet suitable for expedited . As a of Holdings, the company leverages the broader Kalitta network to provide 24/7 availability through partnerships with , enabling seamless extensions for international operations. The airline's specialized services cater to high-priority sectors, including the transport of , , clinical trial materials, organs, tissue samples, and other life sciences that require precise and timely delivery to support medical outcomes. AirNet also handles with UN-certified packaging and expert classification, ensuring compliance for hazardous materials such as radioactive substances, alongside aircraft on ground (AOG) parts for aviation maintenance and secure transport of medical documents. These services prioritize mission-critical where delays could have significant consequences, distinguishing AirNet from standard carriers. Revenue primarily derives from scheduled express shipments and ad-hoc charters, with historical data indicating a mix where express services formed a substantial portion, though exact current proportions are not publicly detailed. The company maintains key certifications, including FAA Part 135 for commuter and on-demand operations, FAA Part 145 for repair station activities, compliance with international standards for handling, and DOT Special Permit SP-15227 for enhanced radioactive material transport ratios. Additionally, AirNet adheres to TSA security protocols and DOT regulations as a U.S.-based operator, with a Transport Canada Permit SA 8818 facilitating cross-border shipments. Post-2015 independence from prior express networks like MNX, the focus has evolved toward perishables and high-value medical logistics, claiming high reliability in deliveries without specified quantitative rates.

Hubs, routes, and infrastructure

AirNet Express operates its primary hub at (LCK) in , serving as the central facility for cargo sorting, dispatch, and maintenance operations as of 2025. This location supports the airline's focus on time-sensitive , including specialized handling for and high-value shipments. Historically, AirNet maintained a secondary sorting facility in , , which was established in 2008 to optimize route efficiency but has seen limited use in recent operations as the company streamlined its network under Kalitta ownership. Additional support comes from affiliated facilities in , integrating broader Kalitta resources for overflow capacity. The route structure revolves around nightly scheduled flights providing express services across a coast-to-coast network spanning hundreds of airports in the United States and , designed for late pickups and early deliveries to meet urgent timelines. These are supplemented by ad-hoc on-demand charters, offering next-flight-out options with response times under two hours for critical needs such as or aircraft parts. Typical route lengths range from 500 to 2,000 miles, aligning with the fleet's operational range for efficient regional and national coverage. Infrastructure features proprietary real-time flight tracking via advanced GPS and dedicated account managers providing continuous status updates from booking to delivery. Ground handling is managed through strategic partnerships and standardized protocols at over 100 , ensuring secure and compliant operations for sensitive like and life sciences materials. As part of Holdings, which operates a combined fleet of 45 dedicated across its two FAA Part 135 carriers (AirNet II and ), the company supports operational capacity of up to 50 daily flights, enabling 24/7 availability for scheduled and charter services as of 2025. Integration with parent company facilitates seamless overflow to larger aircraft for high-volume or long-haul requirements, enhancing overall network flexibility.

Destinations

Domestic U.S. network

AirNet Express operates a hub-and-spoke network centered at Rickenbacker International Airport (LCK) in Columbus, Ohio, providing scheduled and on-demand services to hundreds of airports across the continental United States with a focus on time-sensitive cargo, including medical and life sciences shipments. The model emphasizes efficient routing for late pickups and early deliveries, prioritizing Midwest and East Coast locations to support medical hubs such as hospitals and biotech facilities. Known destinations include at (ADS) and Kansas City at (MKC). The network supports coast-to-coast coverage from the primary hub in Columbus. As of 2025, scheduled services operate 24/7 with consistent departure and arrival times on core routes, ensuring reliable frequency for domestic operations.

International and charter destinations

AirNet's international operations are centered on charter services, with no scheduled passenger or cargo routes beyond the . The company operates non-scheduled flights to airports across , enabling rapid delivery of time-sensitive cargo such as , medical specimens, and materials to regional and major hubs. As part of the Kalitta family of companies, AirNet provides on-demand charter access to global destinations, supporting next-flight-out services for urgent shipments to airports worldwide. These charters often involve coordination with ' broader network for efficient handoffs on international legs, particularly for high-value or hazardous goods like . AirNet prioritizes cross-border life sciences , including U.S.- transports for organs, tissues, and trial samples, ensuring compliance with international regulations for temperature-controlled and secure handling.

Fleet

Current aircraft types

AirNet Express operates a fleet focused on time-critical transportation, primarily utilizing jets and twin-engine modified for express delivery services. As of 2025, the primary types in service are the and 35A variants, alongside the Beechcraft Baron 58. These models support the airline's emphasis on rapid, on-demand shipments of high-value and urgent goods across the . The Bombardier Learjet 35/35A serves as the backbone for longer-range, high-speed operations, offering a maximum speed of 500 mph, a range of up to 2,000 miles, a capacity of 3,500 pounds, and approximately 230 cubic feet of . These jets are particularly suited for high-priority hauls requiring swift transit times, such as secure document and valuables transport, enabling efficient coverage of transcontinental routes. Complementing the Learjets, the is a versatile piston twin-engine optimized for shorter regional express services. It achieves a cruise speed of , with a range of 750 miles, a of 1,000 pounds, and 58 cubic feet of , making it ideal for frequent, point-to-point deliveries in densely populated areas or between secondary airports. All active types are configured exclusively for operations, with removals of seating to maximize freight capacity. They hold certifications for transporting hazardous materials, ensuring compliance with federal regulations for specialized shipments like chemicals and pharmaceuticals. The fleet previously included 208 turboprops and other types for various routes.

Fleet size and operational capabilities

As of 2025, AirNet Express maintains an estimated fleet of approximately 20 , a significant reduction from the peak of approximately 130 operated in the early as the company shifted toward greater operational efficiency and specialized services. This downsized fleet is composed primarily of Learjet 35/35A and Beechcraft Baron 58 models, allowing for agile response to demand in the small-package express sector. Maintenance for the fleet is conducted in-house at facilities near , with additional support from parent company , ensuring compliance and reliability. Operationally, the fleet supports 24/7 operations for time-critical deliveries, including medical and high-value cargo. The focus remains on payloads of small, high-priority items like pharmaceuticals and documents.

Incidents and accidents

2022 Beechcraft Baron crash

On January 8, 2022, a Beechcraft 58 Baron (registration N585CK), operated by AirNet II LLC (doing business as AirNet Express), crashed near Defiance, Missouri, United States, killing both pilots on board. The aircraft, manufactured in 1981 and thus over 40 years old at the time, was conducting a positioning flight from Saint Louis-Spirit of St. Louis Airport (KSUS) to Centennial Airport (KAPA) in Denver, Colorado, as part of AirNet's operations supporting its cargo network. The accident occurred at approximately 19:19 central standard time during the en route cruise phase, when the twin-engine piston aircraft lost control in night instrument meteorological conditions with moderate turbulence, entering a rapid descent and impacting wooded terrain. The wreckage was destroyed by impact forces, but there was no reported damage to ground infrastructure or injuries to persons on the surface. The (NTSB) investigated the incident under docket CEN22FA096, determining the probable cause as the pilot's during flight in night instrument conditions, which led to a loss of control and the flight crew's subsequent inability to recover from the unusual attitude. In January 2024, the family of copilot Youngblood filed a wrongful death lawsuit alleging the crash was caused by from a faulty cabin heater, disputing the NTSB's findings of no mechanical malfunction. data showed the aircraft deviating from its assigned altitude and heading shortly after departure, with issuing multiple queries about the incorrect flight path before communication ceased. Post-accident examination of the , engines, and systems revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunction or failure that contributed to the loss of control; both engines showed indications of producing power at impact. Weather analysis indicated with low ceilings, reduced visibility, and moderate , but no significant icing was present below 11,000 feet mean , the approximate altitude of the flight at the time of the upset. The pilots, both commercially certificated, held the necessary qualifications for the part 91 positioning flight, though the primary pilot had limited recent experience in instrument conditions. In the aftermath, the NTSB issued no specific safety recommendations tied directly to this accident, and there were no reported regulatory changes or fleet-wide groundings imposed by the (FAA) on AirNet's operations. The serves a key role in AirNet Express's fleet for short-haul document and small package deliveries, as well as positioning flights to support its hub in . This event marked the second fatal accident in AirNet's operational , following a 1998 terrain collision involving another Baron that resulted in one pilot fatality.

Overall safety record

AirNet Express, a Part 135 cargo operator, has operated with a limited number of recorded incidents over its history, reflecting the challenges inherent to small-package air express services in diverse weather and night conditions. Prior to 2022, the airline experienced one fatal accident on April 23, 1998, when a Beechcraft 58 Baron (N258B) collided with terrain near Washington Dulles International Airport, resulting in the death of the sole pilot on board during a positioning flight. No other fatal accidents occurred between 1999 and 2021, and the overall incident rate remains low for its operational scale, with no hull losses reported after the 1998 event until 2022. Minor non-fatal incidents have been infrequent and without injuries. For example, an AirNet Express Cessna 208B Caravan (N3RY) executed an short of the west of , due to an unspecified issue, but the pilot was unharmed and the aircraft sustained minimal damage. No additional significant events, such as runway excursions or mechanical failures leading to operational disruptions, have been documented in for the period since , aside from the referenced fatal occurrence. To support its safety performance, AirNet Express enforces stringent pilot qualifications, requiring a minimum of 1,000 total flight hours, including 500 cross-country hours, along with a commercial pilot certificate, multi-engine rating, , and a first-class . New hires undergo a comprehensive three-week initial program that includes in-depth instruction on (FAR) Part 135, company operations manuals, aircraft systems, performance calculations, and emergency procedures. These measures emphasize weather avoidance through adherence to standard Part 135 protocols, such as pre-flight briefings and compliance, supplemented by advanced like GPS for enhanced situational awareness during night and low-visibility operations. Since its acquisition by in 2015, AirNet Express has integrated into a broader safety management framework that prioritizes and proactive . The airline maintains its FAA Part 135 air carrier operating certificate, ensuring ongoing adherence to federal standards for maintenance, training, and operations without reported violations or audit deficiencies in recent years. Following the 2022 accident, AirNet continued operations under this system, with no further hull losses or fatal events recorded as of November 2025, underscoring a low- profile relative to the higher incident rates observed across Part 135 operations generally (which accounted for 22% of such crashes from 2013 to 2022).

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  52. https://registry.faa.gov/AircraftInquiry/Search/NNumberResult?nNumberTxt=585CK
  53. https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/104504/pdf
  54. https://www.firstalert4.com/2024/01/09/wrongful-death-lawsuit-claims-2022-plane-crash-st-charles-co-caused-by-carbon-monoxide-poisoning-faulty-heater/
  55. https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=14687056&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Aircraft%20Examination%20Summary-Rel.pdf
  56. https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=13883515&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=CEN22FA096_weatherfactualSuffernfinal-Rel.pdf
  57. https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=14345373&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=CEN22FA096%20-%20Ops%20Specialist%20Report%20-%20FINAL-Rel.pdf
  58. https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/28250/pdf
  59. https://asn.flightsafety.org/wikibase/37819
  60. https://www.airliners.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=315897
  61. https://airnet.com/careers/training/
  62. https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2023-11-01/deeper-look-part-135-cargo-ops-accidents
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