Hughes Airwest

Hughes Airwest was the official airline of Expo ‘74, although Scandinavian Airlines Service was designated as the official international airline. In this era, regional airlines were far more prevalent, and Hughes Airwest was one of several local carriers that served Spokane and other major western cities. It was created when Howard Hughes purchased the former Air West in 1970. The airline survived until 1980, when it was purchased by Republic Airlines. Republic, in turn, was purchased by another Expo ‘74 exhibitor in 1986: Northwest Airlines, which had by this point dropped the “Orient” from its name.

Hughes Airwest ad from the Official Guidebook.

Pinback pins with Expo '74 logo, advertising Hughes Airwest Official Airline.

Hughes Airwest ad from May 5, 1974, Spokesman-Review, p. 20e.

“Airline Expects 65,000 During Expo’s Run.” May 5, 1974, Spokesman-Review, p. c7.