Braniff Ceases Air Operations NBC Channel 5 Newscast Dallas and Various News Programs May 13 1982

Braniff Airways, Incorporated, began ceasing all operations on the afternoon of May 12, 1982. At 1201AM, the following day, May 13, 1982, Braniff International Corporation and its subsidiaries Braniff Airways, Incorporated, Braniff Education Systems, Inc., and Braniff Realty Company, filed for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the US bankruptcy laws.
However, it was only air carrier operations that ceased operating. All other subsidiaries continued in operation including many Braniff Airways, Inc, departments such as select Braniff International Council VIP Rooms and aircraft maintenance. All classes at Braniff Education Systems, Inc., began as scheduled the morning of May 12 and May 13, 1982, while Braniff International Guardian Services, Inc., known as BIC, also opened for operation at airports where Braniff provided security. All Braniff hotels opened and continued in operation along with Braniff Realty. All of the entities continued in operation even after they were sold off for many years later with Braniff Education Systems closing in 2007.
At the end of the day on May 12, The Braniff Terminal 2W ramp became a sea of magnificent but saddened Flying Colors jets that would not fly again. This incredible 1983, photograph, viewed from the Captain's chair in a Braniff International Boeing 727, summarizes the state of the airline industry after deregulation.
While Braniff held the title as the first trunk airline to file for protection post-deregulation, they would not be the last with Continental Airlines following only 18 months later. Every major trunk airline landed in Braniff's founding and premier financial seat indicating that the regulated airline models would not work in the era of "new economics."
The important point to remember about the loss of Braniff and many of the other major carriers, is that it was a function of economics and changing environments that none of the carriers were successful at navigating and not something their employees did or didn't do. Even today, the airlines have barely learned how to remain successful in an industry that requires massive amounts of capital to operate and a where change in weather can create untenable losses. Only with the invention of amenities fees have airlines enjoyed some degree of padding to fight off the ravages of overnight fuel cost increases and other foreseen costs that could doom an airline in a short amount of time.
Braniff no longer takes to the sky every day but we are still here. Soon a new hotel with Braniff’s name glistening on its side will grace the Dallas skyline which will be accompanied by an array of exciting and new Braniff projects. Braniff will always be with us.
Braniff Airways, Incorporated, Copyright, Text only
NBC Channel 5 Dallas, Copyright, Video only
Various News Organizations, Copyright, Video only

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