McClain Airlines was an airline based in the United States that operated Boeing 727 aircraft in an all first class configuation. The airline intended to operate Los Angeles—Chicago flights. The airline was headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona.[1]
The airline was started by Thomas McClain, a former U.S. Air Force pilot and pilot for TWA Airlines.
The airline was to be acquired by Air One in 1984, before McClain Airlines began service,[1] but Air One went into Chapter 11 bankruptcy later that year before the acquisition was completed. McClain Airlines later operated discontinued scheduled flights and charter services.
The airline initially operated service between Rockford, Illinois and Chicago O'Hare International Airport in order to maintain its landing slots in Chicago, which were difficult to obtain.
McClain Airlines aircraft were painted dark blue, with a gold phoenix on the tail. The airline did not suffer any fatal accidents during its operation.
The airline ceased operations and went into Chapter 11 bankruptcy on February 23, 1987.[2]
