Empire Airlines (1944-1952)

Empire Airlines was an airline that was founded in July 1944 by Bert Zimmerly at Lewiston, Idaho.[1] The founder had formerly been operating Zimmerly Airlines, a commercial charter service that had been operating since 1943.[1] Empire Airlines was inactive until early in 1946, when it purchased the assets of Zimmerly Airlines, including ten Boeing 247 aircraft.[1][2] Starting as an intrastate airline in Idaho, it operated daily round trip service between Coeur d'Alene, Idaho and Pocatello, Idaho with four intermediate stops.[2] The Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) granted temporary permission to the airline to offer interstate feeder lines between Spokane, Washington and locations in Idaho and eastern Oregon.[3]

For the current passenger airline, see Empire Airlines. For the defunct passenger airline from the 1970s and 1980s, see Empire Airlines (1976-1985).
Empire Airlines
Founded1944
Ceased operations1952
Operating basesLewiston, Idaho
Focus citiesBoise, Idaho
Spokane, Washington
HeadquartersLewiston, Idaho
Key peopleBert Zimmerly, President
A DC-3 Operated by Empire Airlines at Boise, Idaho in 1952

In 1952, the CAB approved the sale of Empire Airlines to West Coast Airlines for about $500,000 (equivalent to $2,500,000 in 2022).[4]

See also

References
  1. "Empire Airlines Soon to Start". The Spokesman-Review. Spokane, Washington. 30 July 1946. p. 6 – via Newspapers.com.
  2. "Empire Buys 10 Zimmerly Airline Ships". The Times-News. Twin Falls, Idaho. 1 March 1946 – via newspapers.com.
  3. "Empire Airlines of Lewiston Gains Permit to Run Spokane-Boise Feeder Line". Spokane Chronicle. 23 May 1946. p. 1 – via Newspapers.com.
  4. "Empire Airlines Merger With West Coast Okehed". The Idaho Statesman. Boise, Idaho. Associated Press. 28 June 1952 – via Newspapers.com.
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