Reno Air History: Nevada's MD-80 Airline, 1992-1999 – Airline Employee Shop

Reno Air History

Reno Air flew MD-80 jets out of Nevada for seven busy years, from 1992 until American Airlines bought it in 1999. Here's a short history of Reno Air, plus the Reno Air collection that celebrates it.

Founding (1990-1992)

Reno Air was founded in 1990 by Joseph Lorenzo, a former Frontier Airlines executive, and Jeff Erickson, former president of the original Midway Airlines. Their plan was a low-fare jet airline based at Reno/Tahoe International Airport. Reno Air began flying in July 1992 with McDonnell Douglas MD-80 jets, opening with a nonstop from Reno to Seattle. Within a year it also served Los Angeles, San Francisco, Ontario, San Diego, Portland, Minneapolis and Kansas City.

San Jose and the American link (1993-1997)

When American Airlines pulled back from the West Coast and closed its San Jose hub, Reno Air stepped in. In 1993 the two airlines formed a marketing partnership, and Reno Air flyers could earn American AAdvantage miles. Reno Air built a hub at San Jose, using gates leased from American. Smaller cities were fed by Reno Air Express, Jetstream 31 turboprops flown by a partner airline. In 1996 Reno Air added MD-90s, and it grew in Las Vegas in 1997.

An all-MD fleet

Reno Air also built a small network from Gulfport, Mississippi, to St. Petersburg, Orlando and Atlanta. Over the years it flew MD-81, MD-82, MD-83, MD-87 and MD-90 jets, making it one of the few airlines to fly both the MD-87 and MD-90.

Joining American (1998-1999)

On November 19, 1998, American announced it would buy Reno Air for about $124 million. The purchase closed in February 1999, and Reno Air flew its last flights on August 30, 1999.

A few things collectors love

  • In 2015 American painted a Boeing 737-800 in Reno Air heritage colors, even though Reno Air never flew 737s.
  • Reno Air Express, the Jetstream 31 turboprop partner service that fed the jets.
  • An all-McDonnell Douglas jet fleet, MD-87s and MD-90s included.

Shop Reno Air

Browse Reno Air logo T-shirts, coffee mugs, coasters, tote bags and vintage designs in the Reno Air collection. Add an airline bag tag or key tag for a 1990s throwback on your next trip.

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