2-4 | SonoranWest | Boeing 737-200 | 1969-1984

SonoranWest Airlines would be founded in 1961, originally named the Sonoran West Air System. The airline would see rapid growth throughout the 60’s and 70’s, becoming a major airline to be based out of Phoenix. The airline would grow a loyal fanbase over the years, with it being known for its iconic bright color scheme and personality. SonoranWest would operate a varied fleet at its start, with the airline most settling with majority Boeing aircraft by the mid 70’s, particularly the 737-200. Prior to deregulation, the airline would start to expand out from its home base in Phoenix, starting an aggressive expansion campaign in Southern California and Nevada. Deregulation would start to see the airline decline though, with the ever growing presence of airlines such as Sierra Pacific, Alden Airlines, and Grand West along with the airline expanding far too fast in the late ‘70s would see SonoranWest be brought into financial troubles by 1984.

Talks between SonoranWest and Sierra Pacific on a potential merger between the two would begin in January with a merger deal being finalized by April, ahead of the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. The merger with SonoranWest would greatly bolster Sierra Pacific’s presence in the southwest, making the airline a dominant player within the growing market of the region. The Sierra Pacific-SonoranWest merger would become a major event in the airline’s history, with the airline now having to try to incorporate the fun and vibrant corporate culture of SonoranWest with the more formal culture of Sierra Pacific.