USA Jet Airlines
USA Jet Airlines is an American cargo airline with its headquarters on the grounds of Willow Run Airport, and in Van Buren Township, Michigan. USA Jet operates on-demand air charter freight, and formerly passenger flights out of Willow Run Airport. USA Jet Airlines is a division of Ascent Global Logistics.
History
In August 2013, USA Jet Airlines became the world's first operator of an MD-80 Passenger-to-Freighter conversion. The aircraft, converted by Aeronautical Engineers, Inc., competes against the Boeing 727 in the cargo market. In February 2023, USA Jet retired the last three of their McDonnell Douglas DC-9 fleet.Fleet
Current fleet
As of December 2025, the USA Jet Airlines fleet included the following aircraft:| Aircraft | In Fleet | Orders | Notes |
| McDonnell Douglas MD-88SF | 8 | — | |
| McDonnell Douglas MD-83SF | 1 | — | |
| 2 | — | ||
| 4 | — | All have been parked at Willow Run Airport since 2024. | |
| Total | 15 | — |
Historic fleet
USA Jet Airlines previously also operated the following aircraft:| Aircraft | Number | Notes |
| McDonnell Douglas MD-83 | 1 | Converted to Freighter |
| McDonnell Douglas DC-9-15 | 1 | Converted to Freighter |
| McDonnell Douglas DC-9-31 | 3 |
Accidents and incidents
- On September 1, 2005, a Falcon 20 struck a flock of mourning doves shortly after rotation at Lorain County, Ohio, causing both engines to flame out. As the gear was retracted, the plane crashed beyond the runway and was destroyed after impact. The crew suffered minor injuries.
- On July 8, 2008, a DC-9-15F crashed onto a roadway while approaching the Plan de Guadalupe International Airport in Saltillo, Mexico while on a scheduled cargo flight from the U.S. The National Transportation Safety Board, which confirmed the death of the pilot, reported no one was injured on the ground. The co-pilot suffered severe burns. Flight 199 departed Detroit-Willow Run Airport, MI on July 5 for Hamilton, Canada to pick up cargo. Automotive parts were loaded on board and the flight continued to Shreveport where it arrived at 23:19 CDT. After clearing customs it took off again at 23:48 CDT, bound for Saltillo, Mexico. The DC-9 crashed in an industrial area 800 m north of the airport. The airplane broke up and burned.
Trivia
- A USA Jet Airlines McDonnell Douglas DC-9 was used for the filming of the movie Cedar Rapids and another painted for We Are Marshall.