AirCal Anniversary

Former pilots Ray Diecman, left, and Larry Bufton, shake hands and share memories.

Employees of the former AirCal airlines gather on the tarmac at John Wayne Airport to wave to a American Airlines 737 jet painted in the airline’s original colors during an the 50th anniversary celebration of AirCal. The airliner began 49 years ago. The Newport based airliner was a commercial airlines from 1967 to 1986 and later merged with American Air.

Employees of the former AirCal airlines gather on the tarmac at John Wayne Airport.

Two former AirCal employees share stories.

Former ticket agents Mary Jo Steinman, left, and Diane Rapp share memories with other former AirCal employees.

Former pilot and organizer Scott Bergey, left, shakes the hand of a fellow pilot.

Former pilots of AirCal gather to share stories.

Former ticket agents Mary Jo Steinman, left, and Diane Rapp share tears of joy.

Employees of the former AirCal airlines gather on the tarmac at John Wayne Airport to wave to a American Airlines 737 jet painted in the airline’s original colors during an the 50th anniversary celebration of AirCal. The airliner began 49 years ago. The Newport based airliner was a commercial airlines from 1967 to 1986 and later merged with American Air.