David Bassett, the founder of US cargo carrier Amerijet International Airlines, has passed away.
A tribute was shared by Christine Richard, former director of marketing at Amerijet and current board member and director of the Miami Air Cargo Association, reflecting on the long-lasting impact Bassett had on the company and the wider air cargo industry.
Bassett founded Amerijet in 1974 and led the company for more than 40 years. Under his leadership, what began as a small single-aircraft air taxi operation steadily evolved into an international cargo airline with a strong footprint across the Caribbean, Central America and South America.
The business originally started as Professional Charter Services, operating a leased Cessna 401 between South Florida and the Bahamas. By 1976, the company had shifted into dedicated freight operations, supporting the rapid expansion of overnight courier networks.
During the late 1970s and early 1980s, Amerijet expanded further by flying contracts for major express and courier operators including Purolator, FedEx, UPS, DHL and Airborne Express.
In 1982, Bassett became the sole owner of the company, opening the door to a new phase of growth. The fleet expanded, operations developed, logistics capabilities strengthened, and by 1987 Amerijet had established its main hub at Miami International Airport.
From Miami, the carrier built a solid cargo network linking the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America and South America — routes that remain central to Amerijet’s business today.
David Bassett is survived by his wife, Kandee, and their three daughters.
