1953 – 1958
The growth years…
In one year after receiving the first all-cargo certificate, Tigers quadrupled its fleet and increased its system from 6 terminals to 30. Coincident with this growth in domestic airfreight, Tigers continued their international operations, becoming the largest single contractor on the Pacific for the Military Air Transport Command in support of U.S. forces in Korea. By the time they acquired their first DC-6A in 1953, Tigers’ annual gross revenues had reached the $25 million mark. Carrying 32,000 pounds of cargo at 275 miles per hour with a 2,000 mile range, the DC-6A carried more, cheaper and faster than any aircraft then flying. Nothing could stop the Tigers now.