[3] Operating McDonnell Douglas DC-8-62[4] and Boeing 727-100[5] jet aircraft in lavish configurations, MGM Grand Air operated scheduled passenger service between Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) (via the West Imperial Terminal located on the southside of LAX) and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York City using aircraft with all premium seating configurations as well as a shuttle service between LAX and John Wayne Airport (SNA) in Orange County, CA flown with small de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter[6] turboprops in addition to charter flights operated with its jet aircraft.

In March 1997, Minnesota Twins owner Carl Pohlad and Northwest Airlines acquired the company from Richard Page.

Champion Air replaced Sun Country Airlines as the leading charter operator for Northwest-owned MLT Vacations.

Champion Air continued to be run behind the scenes by Northwest executives, including an all-NWA board of directors.

"Our business model is no longer viable in a world of $110 oil, a struggling economy and rapidly changing demand for our services" The carrier will not be filing bankruptcy.