In 1983, Sunbird acquired the Beechcraft C99 turboprop aircraft, and was the launch customer for the -C model (larger baggage pod, etc.).
Also in 1983, Mountain Air acquired Atlanta Express, and merged this operation with that of Sunbird.
Sunbird was only marginally successful those initial years, managing only because of the shared facilities of the parent.
Through the various cycles of the parent company, the decision was made in late 1983 to divest the Sunbird operation to Roy Hagerty.
At this time, the "Sunbird" radio callsign was lost to history, and the Sunbird/Piedmont Commuter flights were under the "Carolina" call.