Atlantic Southeast Airlines was founded in 1979 in Atlanta, Ga., by three determined entrepreneurs who dreamed of providing convenient, safe and frequent air transportation between outlying destinations and Atlanta. From its first flight – aboard a 19-passenger Twin Otter between Columbus, Ga., and Atlanta – to today, ASA has enjoyed tremendous fortune, growth and success.

In 1984, ASA was selected by Delta Air Lines as one of the first partners in the Delta Connection program. Then, following 20 years of operation and 15 years of partnership with the mainline carrier, ASA was acquired by Delta in 1999. The acquisition by Delta marked the beginning of a period of unprecedented growth for ASA, as the airline grew its fleet by more than 100 aircraft and its employee base by more than 3,000 team members.

With success in its corner and a bright future on the horizon, ASA began the next chapter in its storied history on Sept. 8, 2005, when the airline was acquired by Utah-based SkyWest, Inc. Together with its new sister carrier SkyWest Airlines, ASA now is a part of the world’s largest regional airline alliance.

Through good and turbulent times, ASA has maintained its foothold within the airline industry as a stable company with can-do people and safety at its core. In 2010, ASA launched its partnership with United Airlines as a United Express carrier, further expanding its network reach.

What started as a dream in 1979 has become an incredible reality. And today, ASA’s more than 3,500 employees serve customers in 106 airiports in 26 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, the Bahamas, Canada and Jamaica.