Air Florida System, Inc. 1980

Beautifully engraved uncancelled certificate from the Air Florida System, Inc. issued in 1980. This historic document was printed by the Security - Columbian Banknote Company and has an ornate border around it. This item has the printed signatures of the Company’s President and Secretary and is over 23 years old.

Air Florida was a domestic US carrier serving intra-state regions from Florida's Miami International in the 1970s through until the mid 1980s. It took advantage of the 'open skies' policy when US domestic routes became part of a 'free for all' after airline deregulation.

Domestic routes were flown with Douglas DC-9-10 and Boeing 737 jetliners. The airline flew in an attractive blue and green livery during the 1970s and early 1980s.

International routes to Europe began in the late 1970s and the airline purchased Douglas DC10-30 long-haul airliners for these routes. Commuter services were flown from the hub to local destinations under the banner 'Air florida commuter' using Convair twins.

The airline ceased operations in the 1980s after a tragic Boeing 737 accident in January 1982. The jet had attempted to take off out of Washington in snow. The aircraft spent a time on the taxyway in a departure sequence during which snow and ice built up on the wings affecting their shape and lifting ability. It failed to reach V2 and stalled and disasterously crashed into the ice-covered Potomac river having never achieved all-engines climb-out.