Gem State Airlines

Gem State Airlines was a United States airline founded in 1978 in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. It carried passengers for 11 months, from December 1978 to November 1979, and merged in January 1980 with Air Pacific to become Golden Gate Airlines.

Founded by Thomas D. "Tom" Soumas, Jr. (b. 1953) of Coeur d'Alene, its primary investor was Justin S. Colin (1924–2012), a New York financier.

Idaho's nickname is the Gem State, with origins back to its territorial years.

Cities served

 * Boise, Idaho
 * Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
 * Idaho Falls, Idaho
 * Lewiston, Idaho
 * Pocatello, Idaho
 * Pullman, Washington (& Moscow, Idaho)


 * Reno, Nevada
 * Salt Lake City, Utah
 * Seattle, Washington
 * Spokane, Washington
 * Sun Valley, Idaho
 * Twin Falls, Idaho


 * Source:

Fleet
Gem State operated the following turboprop aircraft:


 * 6 Fairchild Swearingen Metroliner
 * 3 Convair 580