 It began operations in 1974, and joined the Allegheny Commuter system for Allegheny Airlines, and later USAir Express.The airline ended its operations in 1989.The airline was mentioned in the film "The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou"; one of the main characters, Ned Plimpton, is a pilot for Air Kentucky, however, in the film Ned mentioned that the airline was based out of Louisville, Kentucky.