John C. Van Arsdale (December 4, 1919 – February 7, 1997) was the founder of Provincetown-Boston Airlines and a leader in the development of regional airlines in the United States.
He enlisted in the US Army Air Forces in 1942 and served during World War II.[1]
In May 1946, having returned from service in the Second World War, Van Arsdale started a flying school at the Cape Cod AirfieldinMarstons Mills, MassachusettsonCape Cod. This eventually turned into the Cape Cod Flying Service and, in 1949, led to the founding of Provincetown - Boston Airlines (PBA), Cape Cod's first scheduled air service. He served as President of PBA, as it grew into a regional carrier in New England and later in South Florida after merging with Naples Airlines in 1960.[2] Van Arsdale ran the airline until 1980 when he turned it over to his two sons, Peter and John, Jr.
Van Arsdale died in Naples, Florida on February 7, 1997.
