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Kalitta Air: From racing roots to global logistics player

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Kalitta Air: From racing roots to global logistics player
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Connie Kalitta CEO of Kalitta Air | Wikipedia

The story of Kalitta Air and its founder, Conrad "Connie" Kalitta, is rooted in a deep passion for drag racing that eventually led to the establishment of an international cargo airline. Kalitta began his company in 1967 using a Cessna 310 to move auto parts, which he later expanded into a large fleet that serves various purposes, including air freight, air ambulance, and passenger charters.

Kalitta Air is based at the former Wurtsmith Air Force Base. It has recently been recognized with the FAA's Diamond Award for maintenance training. Connie Kalitta’s aviation ventures faced numerous challenges, including flirting with bankruptcy and fierce competition in the passenger charter market. Despite these challenges, Kalitta Air continues to thrive, maintaining over 1,500 workers at its facility.

Kalitta Air was significantly involved in Department of Defense operations following the September 11th attacks. Kalitta described the intense work environment, noting: “people at the office were doing 13 to 16-hour days.” The airline expanded rapidly to support missions in the Middle East, including mail deliveries to US forces.

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A notable event in Kalitta Air's history is the hijacking incident in 1989, where a knife-wielding man demanded a flight to the White House. Connie Kalitta managed the situation by agreeing to fly while secretly planning measures to subdue the hijacker. Kalitta reflected, "When you are under pressure, you have to think well on your feet. If you don't, you're in trouble."

The Kalitta Air fleet includes Boeing 747s and other large aircraft, supporting complex logistics across continents. Kalitta's flexibility and capability for custom jobs have been underscored by Graham Light of the NHRA, who noted, "[Connie] has got the capability to be flexible and do those custom jobs, where FedEx and UPS may have a regular schedule every day.”

Kalitta Air was also contracted by the US Department of State in 2020 to evacuate American citizens from Wuhan during the COVID-19 pandemic. The airline maintains operations at several key airports, including Leipzig/Halle and Hong Kong.

Plans for growth include a new partnership with Japan Airlines, starting regular cargo flights from Tokyo to Chicago. Air Cargo News quoted Japan Airlines, stating: "The new codeshare agreement with KALITTA will enable JAL to meet the continued strong demand for cargo transportation."

Connie Kalitta's background in racing significantly influenced his business approach. He is known for his quick decision-making and strategic vision, first honed in the world of drag racing. Kalitta has been recognized by the Motorsports Hall of Fame and holds multiple racing titles.

As Kalitta Air looks forward to expanding its fleet with more Boeing 777s, the company continues to build on its foundations. Key partnerships and government contracts are critical to sustaining its operations and ensuring the company's future.

Connie Kalitta's drive and ability to adapt remain central to the airline's success. With significant achievements in both aviation and drag racing, Kalitta's contributions to these industries are widely recognized.

Organizations Included in this History
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