Interflug

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Interflug
Interflug logo.png
IATA ICAO Callsign
IF INF INTERFLUG
Founded31 January 1974; 50 years ago (1974-01-31)
Ceased operations16 July 2003
(morphed into and acquired by Maskillea Airlines)
Hubs
Focus cities
Frequent-flyer programVoyager
Subsidiaries
  • Interflug Express
  • Interflug Cargo Service
Fleet size198
Destinations60 (at its height 1984)
Parent companyInterreise Corporation
(until 1993, from 1993-2003 Mascair AG)
HeadquartersLannbrück, Mascylla
Employees27,000 (1985)
Websitewww.maskilleaairlines.mc

Interflug, originally founded as the Internationalflüge-Gesellschaft ("International Flights Corporation") in 1974 and formally Interflug Weltfluggesellschaft ("Interflug World Airlines"), was the principal flag carrier of Mascylla and the second-largest airline worldwide from 1974 until its collapse and filing for bankruptcy on 16 July 2003. It was formed after the deregulation of Mascylla's aviation industry in 1974, and established as one of the first Mascyllary airlines international routes. The airline was a pioneer in developing international connections and quickly rose to a major global airline. By 1984, it had the second largest fleet and one of the most extensive catalogues of travel destinations; its popularity and reputation made it a Mascyllary national symbol and icon.

Identified by its aircraft designs, crew uniforms and branding, the airline was a significant contributor to the contemporary culture of the 20th century, especially the 1970s to 1990s. While the company was contracted with the Mascyllary government and hold half of its stocks, it was still one of the biggest Mascyllary private companies. Its main facility and flagship terminal was the Globeport Terminal at Königsreh–Albert Polschnitz Airport, while the headquarters were located in Lannbrück. The steady decline in financial revenues and importance forced the airline to significantly reduce its number of destinations and fleet size. From 1993 to 2003, it was kept alive through financial support of the Mascyllary government and Mascair AG, who acquired Interflug. In 2003, its remaining resources and the brand was incorporated into Maskillea Airlines as its successor.

Accidents and incidents

  • 14 August 1979: the Lilienwald air disaster was a mid-air collision between Interflug Flight 662, a Be-185 from Lannbrück to Rakonitz, and DAT Flight 21 from Ulich to Königsreh, over the border between Mascylla and Lilienburg. Main causes of the collision were pilot error when trying to avoid the crash and the confusion of the air traffic control regarding the locations of the planes involved. The worst aviation accident in Lilienburgish history and the world's deadliest mid-air collision, it killed all 281 people on board both planes.
  • 29 April 1984: Flight 436, a UAK C828 Goerg Maybach, crashed into a field at Bohlsfeld, Mascylla, fifteen minutes after take-off, after its right turbine exploded and the dwindling plane struck a line of trees that ripped off its rear section. 251 passengers and crew members, as well as 3 farmers on the ground, were killed in the impact; only 4 passengers survived the accident.