In 1972, Ron Ryan formed Ryan Aviation Corporation, a jet charter service company specializing in corporate travel, while also providing ground service and maintenance for these jets and larger aircraft. Ryan International Airlines received its certification as a part 121 air carrier to operate large aircraft in 1981. Ryan International was headquartered in Wichita, Kansas, employed over 800 people, operated fifty large aircraft. The company provided air cargo service for the U.S. Postal Service, Emery Worldwide, and many other companies as well as passenger service to destinations throughout the world. Ryan logged more than 20,000 hours of flight time and was type-rated in the Boeing 727, Learjet’s, and Cessna Citations.