Evergreen International Aviation

Evergreen International Aviation. It was a major American aviation services conglomerate founded in 1960 by Delford M. Smith. Headquartered in McMinnville, Oregon, the company grew from a single Cessna 310 into a global enterprise providing air cargo transport, heavy-lift operations, aircraft maintenance, and specialized aviation support. Its diverse operations and distinctive Boeing 747 fleet made it a significant player in international logistics and aerial firefighting before its eventual dissolution.

History

The company's origins trace to 1960 when Delford M. Smith, a former United States Air Force pilot, founded it as an air taxi service. Expansion began in earnest with contracts for the United States Postal Service and the acquisition of surplus Lockheed Constellation aircraft for cargo charter work. A pivotal moment came in 1975 with the creation of its airline subsidiary, which commenced scheduled all-cargo services using Boeing 747 freighters, establishing key routes across the Pacific Ocean to Asia and later to Europe. During the 1980s and 1990s, it became a major contractor for the United States Department of Defense, providing global airlift support during operations like the Gulf War and in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The company also gained fame for operating the Evergreen Supertanker, a modified Boeing 747 used for aerial firefighting. Financial difficulties mounted in the 2010s, leading to the cessation of flight operations in 2013 and subsequent liquidation proceedings in Delaware courts by 2014.

Operations and services

Its core business was worldwide air cargo charter and contract logistics services, often for the United States Department of Defense and commercial clients. The company provided comprehensive aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services at its facilities in Marana, Arizona and McMinnville, Oregon. It was a leading operator of heavy-lift aircraft, notably the Boeing 747, for outsized cargo. Through subsidiaries, it offered aerial application services, including aerial firefighting with the Evergreen Supertanker, and manufactured ground support equipment for airports globally. Other services included pilot and mechanic training, aircraft leasing, and fixed-base operator (FBO) services.

Fleet

Throughout its history, it operated a varied fleet centered on large wide-body freighters. Its most iconic aircraft were the Boeing 747, including models such as the 747-100, 747-200, and 747-400 in cargo configuration. The fleet also included smaller narrow-body freighters like the Boeing 727 and Douglas DC-9. For specialized heavy-lift missions, it utilized the Lockheed L-188 Electra and earlier Lockheed Constellation models. The Evergreen Supertanker was a uniquely modified Boeing 747-200 equipped with a retardant delivery system. At its peak, the airline subsidiary's livery of a white fuselage with a distinctive green cheatline was a familiar sight at major cargo hubs like Tokyo Narita Airport and Anchorage.

Notable incidents and controversies

In 1978, a Lockheed L-188 Electra crashed near Klamath Falls, Oregon, resulting in fatalities. The company faced significant legal and public relations challenges from a high-profile wrongful death lawsuit filed by the family of JonBenét Ramsey, which alleged a connection between a former employee and the JonBenét Ramsey murder case; the suit was later dismissed. Its Boeing 747 fleet was occasionally embroiled in controversy over arms trafficking allegations, including a notable case in 1996 involving shipments to Bosnia and Herzegovina that violated a United Nations embargo. Financial controversies culminated in a 2013 lawsuit by the Port of Portland over unpaid lease fees, and the subsequent liquidation process involved complex legal battles with numerous creditors in Delaware bankruptcy court.

Corporate affairs and subsidiaries

The parent company oversaw a network of subsidiaries, each focusing on a distinct aviation sector. Its primary airline arm operated scheduled and charter air cargo services globally. Another major subsidiary handled aviation maintenance and MRO services. The aerial application division managed agricultural spraying and firefighting operations, including the Evergreen Supertanker program. Other entities were responsible for manufacturing ground support equipment, providing fixed-base operator services, and managing real estate holdings, including a large facility at the Marana Regional Airport in Arizona. Corporate headquarters were located at the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum campus in McMinnville, Oregon, which also houses the famous Howard Hughes ''Spruce Goose''.

Category:Defunct airlines of the United States Category:Companies based in Oregon Category:Aviation companies established in 1960