The band's name is taken from a Brian Eno song, "Burning Airlines Give You So Much More" from his 1974 album Taking Tiger Mountain (By Strategy).
Robbins and Barbot had jammed with Moffett while their band Jawbox was still active, briefly considering him to fill in after drummer Zach Barocas' departure.
Taking their name from a Brian Eno song, Burning Airlines released their first 7", and their debut CD Mission: Control!
Unable to tour full-time, Bill Barbot left the band and was replaced by longtime friend and Jawbox roadie Mike Harbin.
Burning Airlines was in the middle of a major North American Tour when the September 11, 2001 attacks occurred.