Crystal Shamrock Airlines
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| Founded | 1959 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commenced operations | 1972 | ||||||
| Ceased operations | 1991 | ||||||
| Operating bases | Minneapolis Crystal Airport | ||||||
| Fleet size | 3 | ||||||
Crystal Shamrock Airlines was a former charter airline based at the Minneapolis Crystal Airport. It was founded in 1966, and started operation on 5th August 1975.[1] Operations ceased in 1991 and was dissolved on 4th October 1991.[2] The airline was founded by the FBO Crystal Shamrock. The airline primarily operated charter flights using Douglas DC-3 aircraft.[3] The primary summer use was Canadian fishing trips. In the winter, Crystal Shamrock used its DC-3s to transport college football and basketball teams, and many rock bands.[4]
On August 5, 1975, the airline started service with one round trip flight between Minneapolis, Fargo, and Bismarck North Dakota during the August 1975 Northwest Airlines strike.[5][6][7]
The airline flew displaced passengers between Chicago and Omaha during a 1975 strike by United Airlines machinists.[8] The route also had a stop in Des Moines, Iowa.[9]
For one week in May 1978 the airline provided service from Minneapolis, Fargo, and Jamestown North Dakota. Shamrock discontinued service when North Central Airlines inaugurated service on a route from Bismarck, Fargo, North Dakota, Minneapolis and Chicago.[10][11]
Marian Erickson was promoted from vice president to president in December 1978. She succeeded Lee Gilligan, who became Chairman of the Airline.[12]
A charter flight from Minneapolis via Sioux Falls, South Dakota to Harlingen, Texas was offered to see the October 4, 1979 Commemorative Air Force air show.[13]
In 1980 the airline transported Herb Brooks and the U.S. Olympic Hockey Team to Warroad, Minnesota, to play the local high school team.[4]
In 1982 the airline offered chartered 3 and 6 day travel packages to Wollaston Lake Lodge in Saskatchewan Canada.[14]
During a charter flight with passengers from Rochester, Minnesota, a Piper Apache collided with the front end of the company's DC-3 while on the ground in Springfield, Missouri.[15]
Fleet
- 2 × PC12
- 1 X C525
- 1 X TBM850
- 1 X P2006T
- 1 X C162
- 5 X C172
- 2 X RV12
- 1 X C182
- 1 X S22T
- 1 X SR20