The STL Bucket List Show

Rick Leach - A St. Louis Aviation Story

Lucas & Marissa Farrell Episode 172

In this episode, we sit down with Rick Leach, a 44-year aviation veteran whose career helped shape the regional airline industry—and much of it was built right here in St. Louis. From early roles at Air Illinois and Jet America to leading Trans States Airlines from its St. Louis base, Rick’s leadership fueled decades of growth and innovation in the skies.

He later founded GoJet Airlines in St. Louis and developed the game-changing CRJ-550, the world’s first 50-seat jet with true first-class seating. Tune in for a conversation about vision, legacy, and how one St. Louis leader changed regional aviation forever.

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