International De Avacion, mainly known as Inair Panama, was a Panamanian cargo airline, that operated from 1967 to September 1984. The airline was one of the largest cargo airlines in Panama, and operated out of Tocumen International Airport.
The airline was founded in 1967, and operated routes in South America, as well as a route to Miami.
History The airline was founded in 1967, with a fleet of 3 Curtiss Commando aircraft. In 1969, the airline was permitted to operate routes from Tocumen International Airport to Miami International Airport. Services were also added to other South American nations between 1967 and 1968. In 1971, the airline started to phase out their Curtiss Commando aircraft with 7 freighter Douglas DC-6s, and by 1973, the airline fully retired their Commando aircraft.
In August 1973, the airline bought a Boeing 720, and was used from 1973 to 1974. The airline then operated another Boeing 720, as well as a Lockheed L-188 Electra from 1976 to 1977. In February 1979, the first Convair 880 was bought by the airline, however, the aircraft was written off a year later. By that point, the airline did not have a fleet. In May 1981, the airline leased another Convair 880, and in July 1981, the airline leased a Douglas DC-8. The airline eventually ceased operations by 1984.
Fleet The airline, in total, operated 17 aircraft in the history of the airline. At the time of closure, the airline operated a Convair 880, as well as 2 Douglas DC-8 aircraft. +Fleet Of Inair PanamaAircraftTotalIntroducedRetiredNotesBoeing 720219731974Convair 8802197919841 written off as HP-821Curtiss Commando319671973Douglas DC-661971?1 crashed as HP-539Douglas DC-8219811984Lockheed L-188 Electra119761977Lockheed L-7491??
Incidents and accidents There have been 2 incidents and accidents involving the airline.
On April 10, 1972, HP-539, a Douglas DC-6, crashed on approach to Manaus International Airport. The aircraft's nosegear hit a wall due to an improper IFR approach, making the aircraft slide onto the runway. The plane came to rest after 300 meters. All 3 occupants survived. On March 29, 1980, HP-821, a Convair 880, was damaged beyond repair.
See also List of defunct airlines of Panama
References