The Old Welcomes The
New
OZARK AIR LINES, INC.

Ozark's Fairchild 328 Jet

Pictures of Ozark's A/C 3125 Picture 1 Picture 2 Picture 3
Website updated September 4, 1999

The Go Getter Bird has received numerious requests from individuals seeking information about the new Ozark Air Lines - Good news travels fast. We have made arrangements with Mr. John Ellis - President and CEO of OZARK AIR LINES, INC. to include in our web site, news releases and general information on the emergence of the new Ozark Air Lines.

--------------News release ----------- October 29, 1998 ----------

THE NEW OZARK AIR LINES, INC. TO BE HEADQUARTERED AT COLUMBIA REGIONAL AIRPORT

COLUMBIA, MO. -- Ozark Air Lines, Inc. (OZARK) intends to initiate scheduled air carrier service to a number of locations with its headquarters base of operations in Columbia, Missouri, at Columbia Regional Airport.

John Ellis, President and CEO commented: "Ozark Air Lines left a wonderful legacy of safe and reliable air transportation in Missouri. The new Ozark Air Lines, Inc.. with local ownership, local headquarters and base of operations, will be dedicated to the legacy of providing safe, reliable, courteous, friendly and comfortable air carrier service with modern state-of-the-art aircraft."

According to Ellis, OZARK is negotiating to acquire jet aircraft to provide this service. "Our choice at this time is the all new Fairchild 328 Jet which will carry up to 32 passengers with an ideal combination of speed and large-cabin comfort." It will be ready for service by the end of 1999.

In order to initiate start up prior to receiving the 328 Jets, service may be initiated in mid-1999 with the Fairchild Dornier 328 high speed turboprop which has the identical cabin configuration and seats as the 328 Jet.

OZARK has conducted an extensive market survey of business and professional corporations in Columbia and Jefferson City. The survey, to date, has had an unusually high response rate, providing valuable information about the trends, travel patterns, choices and concerns of Mid-Missouri airline passengers. According to the survey, the overwhelming destination of choice is Chicago, Illinois, closely followed by Dallas, Texas and Kansas City, Missouri.

Initial operating expenses for the airline will be held to a minimum by contracting both heavy and light aircraft maintenance activity to experienced providers. Light and routine aircraft maintenance, into plane fueling, towing and baggage handling will be provided by Central Missouri Aviation.

OZARK is currently negotiating a long term lease with the City of Columbia to acquire counter space in the Terminal building and land to begin immediate construction of an aircraft hangar, maintenance shops and offices.

# # # # # End Of Release # # # # #

John M. Ellis, III, President and CEO

John Ellis was born and grew up in Southern Missouri in the communities of Cabool and Mountain Grove, and graduated from Mountain Grove High School in 1958. He was awarded a Naval ROTC scholarship and graduated from the University of Missouri with a B.S. degree in business administration and a commission in the United States Navy in 1962. He earned his wings as a jet fighter pilot in December, 1963.

He left active duty in 1967 and founded Kal-Aero, Inc. in Kalamazoo and Battle Creek, Michigan. He managed its steady growth and operations and served as its president until it was acquired by Duncan Aviation in February of this year. Kal-Aero, Inc. began with seven employees and at the time of its acquisition, had grown to 365 employees with annual sales of $40 million dollars.

Mr. Ellis serves on the Board of Directors of Duncan Aviation (Lincoln, Nebraska), the Kalamazoo Aviation History Museum, and the International Council of Air Shows, where he also chairs the Safety Committee and is Vice-Chairman of the trade association. He is past president of the Michigan Aviation Trades Association and a member of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots. On October 23, he was inducted into the EAA Warbirds Hall of Fame (Oshkosh, Wisconsin).

Eight years ago the Memorial Day Weekend Salute to Veterans Corporation brought John to Columbia to fly the F7F-Tigercat in their Celebration. He has returned every year since then.

Dr. William E. Stricker, Chairman of the Board and Owner

In addition to being the owner of Ozark Air Lines, Inc., Dr. Wes Stricker of Columbia is the sole shareholder of several other Missouri corporations including Allergy & Asthma Consultants, Ltd; Ozark Allergy Laboratory, Inc.; Ozark Management, Inc., an aviation management company which owns and operates turboprop and turbojet aircraft; and Clinical Research of the Ozarks, Inc., a medical firm.

He serves on the board of United Missouri Bank of Jefferson City and is a past member of the boards of Central Methodist College and the Missouri Special Olympics.

He is the owner of several museum quality World War II airplanes including a P-51 Mustang which he brings to the Memorial Day Weekend Celebration each year.

John C. "Jack" Ekl, Chief Pilot

Jack Ekl was born in Chicago and raised in Hinsdale, Illinois. After graduation from Culver-Stockton College, where he was a competitive swimmer receiving All American honors, he entered the United States Navy and served as a U.S. Navy fighter pilot.

This highly decorated aviator was selected the West Coast Pilot of the Year, and distinguished himself as a carrier aviator by winning the "Golden Tailhook" award for his over 450 carrier landings and accumulated 4800 hours of tactical jet time. He was a member of the Navy’s flight demonstration team, The Blue Angels. He was the narrator for the 1979 season, flew the A4F as the opposing solo for the 1980 season, and was lead solo for the 1981 season.

Following his release from active duty, he joined Southwest Airlines where he served as line pilot, line check pilot, Chief Pilot, and Director of Flight Operations. Jack continues as an active fighter pilot with the Air Force Reserves where he holds the rank of Lt. Colonel. He has over 27,000 hours of jet time.

With Ozark Air Lines, Inc., Jack Ekl will report to the President, and his responsibilities will include development and oversight of operational procedures and manuals. He will also provide oversight for the hiring of the flight crew members.

Dale Landers, Director of Airport Operations

Dale Landers graduated from the School of Business and Public Administration of the University of Missouri in 1959 and was employed the same year by Trans World Airlines (TWA). He continued his career with TWA until 1991 when he was Vice President Germany, Austria and Eastern Europe. Prior to his appointment as Vice President, he was Director of Ground Services, London, England.

Dale served as Regional Director of Airport Services for airline operations at nineteen airports in the Central United States. Other responsibilities with TWA included Manager of Airport Services in St. Louis, the airline’s largest airport operation; Manager of Airline Reservations Office; Regional Manager Employment and Personnel Administration; Airport Supervisor; Regional Financial Analyst; and Internal Auditor.

With Ozark Air Lines, Inc., Dale Landers will report to the President and will have responsibility for operations and procedures for the Columbia and Chicago airports and any future airports served by Ozark.

--- February 26, 1999 Announcement ---
Jeff Tjernagel, Director of Maintenance

Jeff Tjernagel has joined Ozark Air Lines, Inc. as the Director of Maintenance.  Formerly with Fairchild Aerospace of San Antonio, Texas, manufacturers of the Dornier 328 Jet Ozark will be flying,  Jeff brings with him over 14 years experience in aircraft maintenance, inspection and management.  He began his career as a line service maintenance technician; career highlights have included modification inspections for NASA's shuttle carrier and the 747 Jet owned by the King of Saudi Arabia.

Jeff is a certified airframe and powerplant mechanic and maintains his pilot's license.  His hobbies include water and snow skiing, hiking and flying.  Jeff and his daughters Stephanie, age 13, and Ashley, age 10, recently relocated to Columbia from New Braunfels, Texas.

--- March 12, 1999 Announcement ---
Daniel P. Fischbach Named Safety Officer of Ozark Air Lines, Inc.

Daniel P. Fischbach has been named Director of Safety for Ozark Air Lines, Inc. (OZARK) according to John Ellis, President and CEO.  Dan was born and raised in South Dakota and is a graduate of South Dakota State University.

He entered the United States Navy and attended the Naval Post Graduate School in Aviation Safety.  He later served as Aviation Safety Officer for 160 aircraft, 200 instructors and 350 student pilots.  He conducted on-site inspection for compliance with applicable training, protective equipment, hazardous materials and facility safety standards.  He is a qualified Aircraft Commander in multi-engine, single engine and helicopters. Following his release from active duty, he first joined C.P. Express Airlines in Grand Island, Nebraska, and then Great Lakes Airlines in Spencer, Iowa, in both jobs as First Officer.  He then flew as Aircraft Captain for First American Bank of Bryan, Texas.

With Ozark Air Lines, Inc., he will report to the President and his responsibilities will include development, administration and inspection of risk management policy and procedures.

--- July 1999 Announcement ---
Mark Combs Named Chief Inspector for Ozark Air Lines Inc.

Mark Combs has been chosen as the Chief Inspector for Ozark Air Lines Inc. He will be responsible for the development and implementation of the Aircraft inspection program for Ozark Air Lines, Inc.

Mark comes to Ozark Air Lines from Merlin Express Inc. a subsidiary of Fairchild Aerospace of San Antonio Texas, manufacturers of the 328 JET.

Mark, a Missouri native will be moving back to Missouri from Burlington Vermont with his wife Shelly and their two kids Kaitlyn age 5 and Jacob age 1.

Employment Opportunities at Ozark Air Lines, Inc.

Ozark Air Lines is accepting applications for the following full-time positions at Columbia Regional Airport:
Customer Service Agent Reservations Agent Flight Attendant A&P Mechanic
Licensed Dispatcher Maintenance Controller Stockroom Clerk General Secretarial / Clerical

Previous airline or related work experience is highly desirable for all positions. Applicants must be willing to work evenings and weekends. Competitive salary and benefits package including free and reduced rate transportation will be provided.

If you are qualified for one of these positions, and wish to be part of an exciting new venture, send a resume including complete education, work history and license information to:

Ozark Airlines
P.O. Box 1546
Columbia, MO 65205-1546

No phone calls please.
Ozark Air Lines is an equal opportunity employer.

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