Dragonair flies to 13 countries across Asia. Listen to aircraft frequencies in Asia, and you’re bound to hear a flying “Dragon.” Hong Kong based Dragonair began operations in 1985 and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Cathay Pacific Airlines. Dragon– Hong Kong Dragon Airlines (Dragonair) In 1909, when the speedway was paved with 3 million bricks, locals nicknamed it “The Brickyard.” With over 130 aircraft in service, the Republic Airlines “Brickyard” call sign can be heard coast to coast. The airline takes its call sign from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, home of the Indy 500 race. Republic Airlines is an Indianapolis, Indiana based carrier that flies routes as American Eagle, US Airways Express, and United Express. We’ll miss hearing you on the frequencies! 4. On January 11, 2018, Virgin America began operating under the Alaska Airlines carrier operating certificate. Virgin America flew to over twenty destinations in the US and Mexico and earned a reputation for high quality service. The airline’s proximity to the famous California redwood forests and its red logo made “Redwood” the perfect call sign. Virgin America was based in the San Francisco bay area.

UPS Airlines has used three different call signs since it became an airline in 1988. Sadly, when US Airways merged with American Airlines, “Cactus” was retired. The Cactus call sign survived the merger and all US Airways flights were soon known as “Cactus” on the radio. In 2006, America West merged with US Airways.

Cactus was chosen.Īmerica West was based in Phoenix, Arizona near the Sonoran Desert – home of the giant Saguaro cactus. The company held an employee contest to come up with the new name. The FAA suggested that America West come up with a new call sign. Early in its history, the airline used the call sign “America West” but it often caused confusion with other airlines ending in “west” (Southwest, Northwest, Skywest). The “Cactus” call sign originated with America West Airlines. They operate under the brand name of Air Canada Express and their aircraft are painted with the unmistakable Jazz logo. What’s cooler than cool Jazz? Jazz Aviation is Canada’s 2nd largest airline in terms of fleet size. But none are quite as cool as the simple “Jazz” call sign. Several Canadian carriers have cool call signs “Rouge”, “Flair”, and “Bearskin” are a few of my favorites. Based in Taipei, “Dynasty” flights can be seen and heard at over 90 cities around the world. China Airlines is the largest carrier in Taiwan, Republic of China. The call sign of “Dynasty” stands out as well. You can’t miss the beautiful plum blossom than adorns the tails of China Airlines jets. The area is noted for its recreation, especially water skiing. Trans States, then called Resort Air, flew passengers to Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri. The call sign “Waterski” originated in the early 1980’s. US regional carrier, Trans States Airlines, operates as United Express and US Airways Express (soon to be American Eagle). “Citrus” is one of many fun call signs that has vanish as progress marches on. Orlando based AirTran Airways used the Florida orange grove inspired call sign of “Citrus.” Sadly, “Citrus” disappeared from the airwaves when Southwest Airlines finalized it’s acquisition of AirTran.

Southwest airlines pilot flag tie