Altair began operations in 1966 as a commuter carrier. The carrier's route system extended from New England to the Carolinas. On October 15, 1980, the airline began operating 74-seat Fokker F28 jets. A hub-and-spoke system centered around Philadelphia was established linking cities in New England with Florida and Mid-Atlantic states. McDonnell Douglas DC-9s were also acquired before the airline ran into financial difficulties and ceased operations on November 9, 1982.