Wright | 1968-1998 | Douglas DC-9-30

The DC-9-30 was the backbone of Wright's fleet for many years, entering service with the airline in 1968 and remaining in the fleet until the 1990s. It was also the first type to display the company's new livery introduced in 1972. Throughout the 1970s, Wright continued to expand its point-to-point network in the Midwest while continuing to focus on its Eastern base at Columbus (after shifting from its older base at Dayton) and Western base at Kansas City. The DC-9 fleet grew to more than 30 jets by the end of the 1970s, supplemented by a few remaining F-27 turboprops.

As the seventies came to an end and the airline industry was deregulated in the United States, Wright faced a series of new challenges as well as new competitors. Still optimistic about the future, Wright's management launched a rapid expansion by opening new routes to destinations in the South and West while also establishing a hub at Nashville. Things were looking up for air travel as fares dropped and more people could afford to fly, but there were strong headwinds coming which would test the airline and nearly bring it to its knees.

Ship 930 (N930W) was delivered to Wright in 1969 and served until 1991 when it was sold. It was configured with 12 First and 80 Coach seats.

1972-1980 livery