Emerald Air Pilot Wing (3")

Austin, TX 1978 - 1991

Emerald Air began operations as a contract cargo carrier. Passenger flights began on May 26, 1981. Between 1992 and 1994 it operated as Pan Am Express. On August 21, 1984, Emerald filed for bankruptcy and suspended scheduled flights. However, it continued to operate contract and charter flights. Early in 1989, Emerald bought the assets of bankrupt Royale Airlines and operated scheduled flights within Louisiana. These unprofitable flights were halted by the end of November. Emerald was placed in Chapter 7 in 1990 and the airline was finally sold to start-up Braniff International which was looking for a current FAA certificate. The third Braniff began charter service under Emerald's certificate and in 1991, the name was changed to Braniff.