Founder of Amerijet has passed away

David Bassett, the founder of Amerijet International Airlines based in Miami, has passed away. Bassett, who established the company in 1974, led it for over four decades, transforming it from a small air taxi operation into a significant international cargo airline serving markets in the Caribbean as well as Central and South America.

In the early years, Bassett was not only the founder but also the pilot who flew the planes himself, building the company through each individual flight. Through his vision and tenacity, he created a company that became a trusted name in the U.S. and the Americas. His passion for aviation began in his youth in Guyana, where his family worked as missionaries. There, he learned to fly and helped repair aircraft on remote airstrips.

After his time in the U.S. Air Force, Bassett returned to South Florida to pursue his entrepreneurial ambitions in aviation. In the 1970s, when Amerijet was founded, most cargo was still transported in the cargo holds of passenger planes. Bassett recognized the need for reliable cargo service early on and built Amerijet to serve specialized regional markets.

What began as Professional Charter Services quickly evolved under Bassett’s leadership. In 1976, the company transformed into a pure cargo provider, supporting the growth of overnight courier services. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Amerijet expanded its operations and began securing contracts with major courier companies such as Purolator, FedEx, UPS, DHL, and Airborne Express.

In 1982, Bassett acquired full control of the company, which continued to expand its fleet and logistics capabilities. In 1987, the headquarters was established at Miami International Airport, from where Amerijet built a strong cargo network connecting the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, and South America.

Bassett’s leadership style was characterized by mentorship and the creation of opportunities. He invested in his employees and fostered their professional development. Many who joined Amerijet early in their careers were able to build long-term careers under his guidance. Together with his wife Kandee, he created a corporate culture marked by loyalty, respect, and genuine interest in the employees.

Bassett’s contributions to aviation were recognized multiple times. In 2013, he received the Wright Brothers Memorial Award for his lifelong contributions to safety in commercial aviation. Previously, he was honored with the Juan Trippe Award in 2007, which recognized his significant contributions to the development of international aviation.

www.amerijet.com