McClain Airlines

The airline intended to operate Los Angeles (LAX)— Chicago (ORD) flights.

Thomas McClain was a former U.S. Air Force pilot who went on to become an executive at Trans World Airlines (TWA) after he completed his MBA at Harvard Business School.

Prior to entering bankruptcy, Air1 operated Boeing 727-100 and 727-200 jetliners configured with all premium service cabins in scheduled service from a hub in St. Louis nonstop to Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston Hobby Airport, Kansas City, Los Angeles, New York City Newark Airport, and Washington, D.C.[2] McClain Airlines later discontinued all scheduled flights and charter services.

The airline initially operated service on a short flight between Rockford, Illinois and Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) in order to maintain its landing slots in Chicago, which were difficult to obtain.

McClain Airlines aircraft were painted dark blue, with a gold phoenix on the tail.