May 1, 2000, Tower Air Inc today announced that it will cease all scheduled flight operations at the close of business on May 1, 2000. The airline, which filed for protection under Chapter XI of the United States Bankruptcy Code on February 29, 2000, will continue to operate charter operations for the foreseeable future. Passengers scheduled to travel should not go to their respective airport, but rather should make alternate flight reservations through their travel agent. In addition, passengers requesting refunds for unused tickets are asked to contact their travel agent or credit card company.

Tower Air, Inc., headquartered at John F. Kennedy International Airport, began service in 1983 as a scheduled U.S. carrier. The airline had provided low-cost scheduled and charter, passenger and cargo air service in diverse domestic and international markets. Tower Air operates an all Boeing-747 fleet, consisting of 14 passenger and three cargo aircraft. Their philosophy is by operating 747s exclusively, the company would reduce training and maintenance costs while adding flexibility. This structure had allowed Tower to remain profitable, despite the uncertainties of the industry throughout most of the 1990's.