Critter – ValuJet
In the 1990’s, troubled low-cost carrier ValuJet Airlines had what was perhaps the cutest call
sign. The airline used the name of it’s mascot, “Critter.” The happy little airplane was
prominently displayed on ValuJet’s blue, gold and white airplanes. In 1997 ValuJet became
AirTran Airways through a merger and the “Critter” call sign was retired.
Hawaii Five-O – Hawaiian Airlines
The Hawaiian Airlines daily non-stop from Honolulu to New York is flight 50. Pilots and
controllers often ignore the official radio designation of “Hawaiian 50” and use the call sign
“Hawaii Five-O” to pay homage to the classic (and reboot) TV police drama. It’s technically
incorrect radio procedure, but how can they resist? Steve McGarrett would be proud. Book
’em, Danno!
Speedbird – British Airways
Choosing the #1 coolest airline call sign was easy. In the 1940’s, BOAC (British Overseas
Airways Corporation) used the name of its logo, the “Speedbird,” as a call sign. In the early
1970’s, BOAC become British Airways through a merger and continued to use
“Speedbird.” The call sign was especially appropriate when used by the supersonic
Concorde. When “Speedbird-Concorde One” was heard on the radio, you knew something
really special was in the air!
Shamrock – Aer Lingus
Aer Lingus, the national flag carrier of Ireland, is known worldwide on the radio waves as
“Shamrock.” Since the early 1960’s, the carrier has featured a three-leaf clover (shamrock) on
the tails (and now winglets) of its aircraft. The Shamrock call sign is a perfect fit. Aer
Lingus flies to over 80 destinations around the planet.
A - Z of Flight
June 2017
www.alliance-airways.net
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