Our Core Values
Relationships
We will actively listen to and tend to the needs of our clients and team, as well as aspire to make every encounter personable, enjoyable, and unlike any other.
Visionary
We are steadfast in our vision to provide memorable travel experiences and we support one another in achieving our individual life aspirations through our shared employment experience at Erin Air.
Integrity
We are honest, transparent, and committed to doing what is in the best interest of our clients, partners, and one another.
Ownership
We are accountable and take pride in our client-centered approach to decision-making.
Although Erin is currently a popular name in the United States and in the United Kingdom, Erin Air is not named after a specific individual. So, what’s the connection? Erin is simply a nod to our founder’s Irish heritage.
The word Erin is said to originate from Gaelic languages and means “from Ireland”. Erin derives from the Irish word for Ireland, Eire, and the word was propagated in the 19th century by Irish Poets who used it in creating romantic ballads. Irish mythology and folklore also note that Erin was the name originally given to an island by the Milesians after a goddess Ériu.
I have loved airplanes and aviation all my life, and, around 1979, was able to buy a King Air A90. After my first dozen flights or so, I realized I would never be able to use the plane to its fullest extent. The concept was born: I would let others use the plane when I was not and provide them the opportunity to fly privately via charter. At that time, I discovered that applying for and being granted an FAA 135 Charter Certificate was not that difficult. Erin Air was launched, and, today, we stand as the oldest private jet charter company on Boeing Field and within the Puget Sound.
Over time, I replaced the A90 with a King Air 200, and, eventually, a Cessna Citation II. As I sought to grow the company’s footprint, I was fortunate to meet and hire Alan Turnidge as Chief Pilot. With both Alan’s help and the new Citation II, Erin Air became a real enterprise. Alan exceeded the roles of a standard pilot, possessing strong personable attributes and an exceptionally acute sense of customer service and care. Although Alan passed away some years ago, these traits and values are fundamental to Erin Air’s culture and success today.
The growth of Erin Air transpired organically. The story goes, a good friend of mine used to charter frequently with us. As such, I eventually agreed to sell him one of our jets, on one condition: Erin Air would continue to manage the aircraft, provide pilots, insurance, maintenance, and charter the plane when he wasn’t using it himself. This partnership allowed me to purchase another Citation Jet, which led to the size of our fleet doubling. In this same manner, the business has been growing ever since. Including my own, Erin Air now has a growing number of aircraft under management and continues to partner with several others who have found this business model of owning a private jet beneficial.
I still love planes and aviation. Since the company’s origin, I have continued to extend the opportunity of flying private to those who desire as well as provide other owners with the same benefits with their own aircraft.
1980’s
Opening our doors on August 14, 1980, Erin Air officially launched as the first private charter operator in the Pacific Northwest! The Company started with only three employees and a one aircraft, a King Air A90. Erin Air secured its first business client, The Bon Marché / Federated Department Stores, a prominent department store founded in Seattle.
1990’s
The Company soon upgraded to a King Air A200 to accommodate the rising interest in private charter travel and Erin Air started to really expand its roots during this period. After successfully flying 10,000 hours up and down the West Coast, Erin Air established regional brand recognition from reputable and successful Seattleites.
2000’s
In the early 2000’s we purchased a Cessna Citation II to accommodate our clients’ who were eager to fly more frequently and to additional destinations. Erin Air moved to its current location and HQ at the north end of Boeing Field (BFI). During this period, we seized the opportunity to develop our own jet management program as a result of building strong relationships with owners of other aircraft. The launch of our jet management program was the catalyst for future company growth.
2010’s
The 2010’s marked the decade of continental expansion for Erin Air, our company hit a milestone of 50,000 flight hours, and we added a Cessna Citation VII, two Citation XL’s, a Citation X, and a Citation Bravo to our fleet. To own our entire operation and ensure the highest level of safety standards, we opened our own internal maintenance service facility and a team of highly skilled and experienced aircraft technicians. The growth in our fleet also allowed Erin Air to begin flying across the Americas to Hawai’i as well as to Central and South America and the Caribbean.
2020’s
In 2020, we celebrated 40 years of flying!
On track to meet our vision of providing a truly personalized on-demand charter experience! We have undergone a transformational rebranding of Erin Air including a website refresh and the establishment our EA Jet Key Membership. We also recently added four new aircraft, a Cessna Citation XLS, Bombardier Challenger 300, Gulfstream 200, and a Nextant 400XTi!
Join us and Feel the Difference!
1980’s
Opening our doors on August 14, 1980, Erin Air officially launched as the first private charter operator in the Pacific Northwest! The Company started with only three employees and a one aircraft, a King Air A90. Erin Air secured its first business client, The Bon Marché / Federated Department Stores, a prominent department store founded in Seattle.
1990’s
The Company soon upgraded to a King Air A200 to accommodate the rising interest in private charter travel and Erin Air started to really expand its roots during this period. After successfully flying 10,000 hours up and down the West Coast, Erin Air established regional brand recognition from reputable and successful Seattleites.
2000’s
In the early 2000’s we purchased a Cessna Citation II to accommodate our clients’ who were eager to fly more frequently and to additional destinations. Erin Air moved to its current location and HQ at the north end of Boeing Field (BFI). During this period, we seized the opportunity to develop our own jet management program as a result of building strong relationships with owners of other aircraft. The launch of our jet management program was the catalyst for future company growth.
2010’s
The 2010’s marked the decade of continental expansion for Erin Air, our company hit a milestone of 50,000 flight hours, and we added a Cessna Citation VII, two Citation XL’s, a Citation X, and a Citation Bravo to our fleet. To own our entire operation and ensure the highest level of safety standards, we opened our own internal maintenance service facility and a team of highly skilled and experienced aircraft technicians. The growth in our fleet also allowed Erin Air to begin flying across the Americas to Hawai’i as well as to Central and South America and the Caribbean.
2020’s
In 2020, we celebrated 40 years of flying!
On track to meet our vision of providing a truly personalized on-demand charter experience! We have undergone a transformational rebranding of Erin Air including a website refresh and the establishment our EA Jet Key Membership. We also recently added four new aircraft, a Cessna Citation XLS, Bombardier Challenger 300, Gulfstream 200, and a Nextant 400XTi!
Join us and Feel the Difference!