West Coast Airlines

12/29/2025

Departed Flights just shared a great history of West Coast Airlines. From the early days of commercial aviation to the people who kept the operation running, it’s a great reminder of why this airline still means so much to so many of us.

Huge appreciation to everyone who wore the uniform, turned the wrenches, worked the counters, and flew the routes during that golden era of air travel. Take a few minutes to read it, enjoy the memories, and maybe even hear the distant howl of those Dart engines.

11/06/2025

Now arriving, beautiful Sun Valley, Idaho!
On August 1, 1960, West Coast Airlines touched down for the very first time, bringing travelers straight to the playground of the Wood River Valley.
Three locals greeted the flight, dressed for every season of adventure.
Fly West Coast and see Sun Valley in every season!

02/14/2024

Early sighting of NC44896. Unknown airport.

02/01/2024

DC-3 N1280N started life with the US Army Air Corp in 1944, then spent a brief time with Philippines Air Lines before joining WCA in 1953 and eventually flew with Air West. Scrapped in Renton in 1983. Pictured here in 1958 at Boeing Field.

01/18/2024

1950's Souvenir Flight Kit from the land of Paul Bunyan with campy highlights from across the route network.

03/01/2023

A young Charles Herring introduces a Seattle businessman to a faster way to travel throughout the Northwest onboard a growing WCA. Charles went on to become a familiar face and distinct voice in Seattle on KING 5 while WCA became the midcentury west coast local carrier.

01/28/2023

How West Coast Airlines Flight 956 Became The DC-9s First Hull Loss

11/28/2021

DC-3 "Scenic Liner" over the Hiram Chittenden Locks with Ballard to the north and Magnolia to the south. This photo is probably from the late 40s or early 50s.

06/06/2021

On this day in 1944 Placid Lassie participated in Operation Neptune as part of the Allied invasion of Normandy and D-Day. In 1949 she become part of our fleet as #106. Today she continues to fly as part of the Tunison Foundation in her D-Day livery. Thank you to all of the brave people who flew her and continue to care for her.

The Tunison Foundation's mission is to organize and support “living history” events via their airworthy and historic aircraft, Placid Lassie. The foundation educates youth and adults through the preservation and exhibition of historical aviation collections.

03/10/2021

Empire Airlines joined West Coast Airlines in 1952 to carry passengers and mail to destinations in Washington, Oregon and Idaho. This video is the only reference I have seen to West Coast Empire Airlines.