Imperial Airlines Shorts 360
N701A
(c/n SH.3613)
By the 1980s Imperial had developed a concentrated
and frequent service along the Southern
California
corridor. Their ambitious schedules, at times, allowed for
departures every 30 minutes.
The Bandeirantes
were augmented with three new Shorts 360s, the first of which, seen in
the
manufacturer's
image above, was delivered in June of 1983. The high aspect ratio
wing is evident
in this shot.
By 1986 the full effects of airline deregulation was
affecting the carrier and increased
competition along with
increased operating costs caused it to cease operations in January of
that year.