Dragon – Hong Kong Dragon Airlines (Dragonair)
Listen to aircraft frequencies in Asia, and you’re bound to hear a flying “Dragon.” Hong Kong
based Dragonair began operations in 1985 and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Cathay Pacific
Airlines. Dragonair flies to 13 countries across Asia. Its all-Airbus fleet of A320s, A321s and
A330s are adorned with a mythical red dragon from Chinese folklore
Brickyard – Republic Airlines
Republic Airlines is an Indianapolis, Indiana based carrier that flies routes as American Eagle,
US Airways Express, and United Express. The airline takes its call sign from the Indianapolis
Motor Speedway, home of the Indy 500 race. In 1909, when the speedway was paved with 3
million bricks, locals nicknamed it “The Brickyard.” With over 130 aircraft in service, the
Republic Airlines “Brickyard” call sign can be heard coast to coast.
Redwood – Virgin America
Virgin America is based in the San Francisco bay area. The airline’s proximity to the famous
California redwood forests and its red logo make “Redwood” the perfect call sign. Virgin
America flies to over twenty destinations in the US and Mexico. The airline has quickly earned
a reputation for high quality service.
Cactus – US Airways
The “Cactus” call sign originated with America West Airlines back in 1983. America West was
based in Phoenix, Arizona near the Sonoran Desert – home of the giant Saguaro cactus. In
2006, America West merged with US Airways. The Cactus call sign survived the merger and all
US Airways flights were soon known as “Cactus” on the radio. Sadly, now that US Airways has
merged with American Airlines, “Cactus” will likely be retired.
Jazz – Jazz Aviation LP
Several Canadian carriers have cool call signs; “Rouge”, “Flair”, and “Bearskin” are a few of my
favorites. But none are quite as cool as the simple “Jazz” call sign. What’s cooler than cool
Jazz? Jazz Aviation is Canada’s 2nd largest airline in terms of fleet size. They operate under
the brand name of Air Canada Express and their aircraft are painted with the unmistakable
Jazz logo
A - Z of Flight
June 2017
www.alliance-airways.net
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