Amerijet Founder David Bassett, Pioneer of Caribbean Cargo Aviation, Dies at 77

Key Details David Bassett, founder of Miami-based Amerijet International Airlines, passed away at age 77. Bassett established the company in 1974 and served as its sole pilot while transforming a single-aircraft operation into a leading regional cargo carrier serving the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. Why It Matters Bassett was an aviation pioneer who recognized the underserved Latin American and Caribbean markets during the 1970s when most freight still traveled in passenger aircraft belly holds. He shifted Amerijet to all-cargo operations in 1976 and quickly built overnight courier routes for major carriers including FedEx, UPS, and DHL. Current Status Amerijet has undergone significant changes in recent years. After overexpansion under previous CEO Tim Strauss, the airline parted ways with leadership in late 2023 when the post-pandemic cargo boom cooled. Under current CEO Joe Mozzali, Amerijet has returned to its regional roots, reducing its fleet from 22 aircraft to 11 Boeing 767 freighters. Legacy Bassett's journey from flying remote jungle airstrips in Guyana to building a major cargo airline exemplifies entrepreneurial vision in aviation's freight sector.