This is a 1:400 scale die-cast model airplane from Jet-X of the Jet America MD-82 aircraft in a Limited Edition Model.
Jet America was founded by seven California businessmen shortly after deregulation. They saw an opportunity in what they perceived as the underserved airport of Long Beach, CA. Lift off for Jet America came on November 16, 1981, with a flight from Long Beach to Chicago. It was purchased by Alaska Air Group in 1985 after a brief bidding war with Delta Air Lines, Jet America was seen as a way for Alaska to enter Midwest and East Coast markets dominated by the majors. But by 1987 it was evident that the fledging airline, in spite of low operating costs, could not compete against United, American and Northwest. With the merger, Alaskas fleet grew by more than 20 percent with the addition of eight relatively new, fuel-efficient MD-80s. Alaska also gained operating rights in slot-controlled Orange County. Coupled with facilities in San Francisco, this allowed Alaska to increase flights in existing markets and enter new intra-California markets. But the biggest asset Alaska gained from the merger was more than 500 dedicated, service-oriented employees.
