The airline was established and started operations in 1948 when Carl Brady flew what was the first commercial helicopter to Alaska to work on a mapping contract for the US government. Scheduled passenger services began in May 1983. It was wholly owned by Rowan Companies. Era formerly operated Convair 580 turboprops as well as De Havilland of Canada DHC-6 "Twin Otter" turboprops. After being bought and sold several times over the years, Era filed for bankruptcy in 2005. In 2009 the company was acquired by rival Fronter Alaska Group and the Frontier Flying Service 121 mainline operation was in the process of being merged into Era Aviation's certificate. In 2010, Era Alaska was formed The Frontier Alaska Group, Frontier Flying Service, Era Aviation, and Hageland Aviation. Effective February 27, 2009, Era Aviation, Inc was bought out and became a subsidiary of The Frontier Alaska Group along with Frontier Flying Service and Hageland Aviation. The three airlines partnering makeup the largest carrier in the State of Alaska by serving more cities, passengers, with the largest airplane fleet in Alaska.