Founded in 1889, this is the story about how USGlobal Airways is the oldest American startup airline that has still not had a single flight. Despite being in business for more than 30 years and owning a Boeing 747-200 for 20 of them, USGlobal Airways has never flown.
Conceived before the break-up of the Soviet Union in December 1991, the plan was to offer flights from New York’s John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK) to various destinations in Russia and the Baltic States. Initially calling itself Baltia Airlines, its founder Igor Dmitrowsky made a series of decisions that delayed the airline’s certification.
Baltia wanted to fly between New York and St. Petersburg
In 1998 Baltia got permission to fly from JFK to Pulkovo Airport (LED) in St. Petersburg. Thinking that it was about to launch revenue-making flights, Baltia deposited money to acquire an ex Cathay Pacific Boeing 747-200. Despite securing the plane, the United States Department of…