Zantop International Airlines

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Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Zantop l~ternationa l Airlines, Inc. ,_ http ://www. fl yzantop.com/h i story. html 3/24/03 I 0:28 AM Zan top International Airlines, Inc. 0 In 1946, Duane A. Zantop and his three brothers fonned a co-partnership known as the Zantop Flying Service, which operated as a fixed-base and charter-service operation in Jackson, MI. Initially, the partnership performed a limited cargo service for General Motors Corporation, utilizing light aircraft. In 1952, at the urging of the automotive companies, the Zantops obtained a commercial operator's certificate, expanded their services to include both Ford and Chrysler, and acquired large aircraft. The company's principal operations thereafter involved the transportation of automotive cargo under contracts with the major automotive companies. Additional activities included services under contract for the Department of Defense. In 1962, the company, which h~d been incorporated as Zantop Air Transport, became a supplemental air carrier by virtue of the Civil Aeronautics Board's approval of the transfer to Zantop of the operating certificate of Coastal Airlines. Zantop continued serving the automotive cargo market pursuant to an exemption that permitted it to provide individually waybilled services. In 1966, the Zantop brothers sold their stock in Zantop air Transport, resigned as officers and directors of the company, and the airline became known as Universal Airlines, Inc. Zantop International Airlines, Inc., was incorporated in May, 1972 as a Michigan corporation, the stock of which is 100% owned by the Zantop family. The new company, within a few weeks time, obtained financing, purchased suitable aircraft, hired experienced personnel, acquired ground facilities at Detroit Willow Run and other airports, and applied for an FAA operating certificate. Zantop again operated adhoc charters for the automotive industry and contracted with the Air Force to fly in the Ldgair system. The fleet which originally consisted of DC-6' s and Convair CV-640's was soon expanded to include L-188 Electra's and DC-S's. After deregulation in 1979, Zantop developed a commercial hub network connecting key cities throughout the country. The system grew to 38 cities including a road feeder system. They were also awarded mail contracts and during the Gulf War Crisis, Zan top operated a day hub exclusively for the U.S. Postal Service in addition to its prime time overnight operation, both of which were based at Willow Run Airport in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Page I o f 2 Zantop International Airlines, Inc. ;;> http ://www. fl yzantop.com/hi story. html 3/24/03 I 0:28 AM In 1992, the Zantop family made the decision to discontinue the hub system and go back to it's roots as a charter and contract carrier. The company since has operated contracts for the U.S. Postal Service, Emery, DHL, Channel Express, Fred Olsen, Lynden Air Freight, Daylight Air, American International, Kitty Hawk, and Active Aero. Zan top currently operates as a certified supplemental all cargo Air Carrier, under an FAA part 121 Certificate operating adhoc charters. Duane A. Zantop is Chairman of the Board, however, the company is run, on a day to day basis, by his sons James M. Zantop, Duane G. Zantop and David B. Zantop. Zantop's fleet of aircraft are of a non-traditional "bulk-load" configuration, which allows Zantop maximum flexibility in carrying odd-size and over-size cargo in addition to "routine" freight shipments. Zantop's flexible operating philosophy and fleet-mix provides a well-balanced complement necessary to meet the exacting needs of many shippers, both common carriage and automotive. By plan, Zantop continues to remain somewhat reliant on this important single-revenue source; and its fleet and general capabilities remain well tailored to meet the basic needs of the automotive industry. The reasoning behind this is that, while only a small percentage of total automotive cargo is shipped by air, the absolute volume of this cargo is quite substantial. It consists primarily of assembly parts which, like other air cargo, generally must be at destination by the start of the working day. Freight traffic generally flows from the supply sources and manufacturing plants of the alftomotive companies to the automotive assembly plants principally located in the north-central and eastern industrial states. Detroit and its surrounding area is a major point for much of the distribution, both inbound and outbound. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0000 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0000 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0000 0 0 0 0 Home 0 Rates 0 0Aircraft Info 0 History 0 Photo 0 Updates ° Contacts 0 E-Mail Copyright "2000 Zantop International Airlines Page 2 of2 

Zantop International Airlines History

https://commons.erau.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1091&amp;context=aviation-pioneers-association

Zantop International Airlines History

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