Sky Bird Travel Travvy Gold Winner Award 2025

One Remarkable Journey

Sky Bird Celebrates
50 Years in Travel: 1976–2026

Built on partnership, driven by service, and supporting travel professionals for 50 years.

Sky Bird is celebrating 50 years in the travel industry. Founded in 1976 by Arvin and Jaya Shah, the company has grown into an airline consolidator serving travel professionals across North America. For five decades, Sky Bird has built its business around airline partnerships, service, technology and lasting relationships with travel advisors.

50

Years in Travel

100+

Global Airline Partners

13

Domestic & International Offices

24/7

Advisor Support
Mr. and Mrs. Shah at Sky Bird Travel’s 50th Anniversary Celebration

“When I founded Sky Bird in 1976 alongside my wife, Jaya Shah, our vision was simple — to build a company founded on trust, integrity, exceptional service and lasting relationships.”

Mr. Arvin Shah, Chairman & Co-Founder, Sky Bird

Sky Bird's Story

How Sky Bird Started in 1976

In 1976, Arvin and Jaya Shah began a journey built around a simple belief: take care of the customer, build relationships that last and give travel professionals the support they need to succeed.

Five decades later, the travel industry has transformed — and so has Sky Bird. From expanding airline relationships and offices to developing new technology and booking solutions, the business has continued to evolve while staying grounded in the values on which it was built.

1976 — Sky Bird is founded

A business built on trust, service and lasting relationships.

Growth Years – Expanding Airline Partnerships

Expansion of airline relationships and a growing agency network.

National Expansion

Broader reach and deeper support for travel professionals across North America.

Digital Era

New booking capabilities, advisor tools and WINGS.

2025 – Industry Recognition

Sky Bird earns Travvy Gold recognition.

2026 – 50 Years of Sky Bird

Honoring the legacy while building the next chapter.

Sky Bird's Golden Jubilee

Celebrating 50 Years in Travel

In July 2026, Sky Bird brought together airline executives, travel professionals, industry partners, employees and friends to celebrate 50 years in the travel industry.

Sky Bird Travel’s 50th Anniversary Special Tributes Presented by Jeremy Moss and Ranjeev Puri

Sky Bird's 50th Anniversary Recognized

Sky Bird Honored by the State of Michigan

Sky Bird’s Golden Jubilee was marked with Special Tributes recognizing 50 years of business excellence, industry contribution and community leadership.

The recognitions were presented by Michigan State Senator Jeremy Moss and Democratic Leader Ranjeev Puri.

Sky Bird Travel Leadership Team Featuring Arvin Shah, Akshay Shah, and CEO Norm Knowles

The People Behind Sky Bird's 50-Year Journey

Built Through Relationships

Fifty years isn’t built by one person, one idea or one moment. It’s built through generations of employees, airline partners, travel advisors and industry relationships working together.
Akshay Shah
Owner
Arvin Shah
Chairman & Co-Founder
Norman Knowles
Chief Executive Officer

50 Years Supporting Travel Advisors

Our Anniversary Isn't Only About Looking Back

For five decades, travel advisors have been at the heart of Sky Bird’s story. As we celebrate 50 years, we’re using this milestone to champion the profession that helped build our business.

#WhyUseATravelAgent

Sky Bird’s industry initiative gives travel advisors ready-to-use resources to help today’s travelers better understand the expertise, guidance and human support a professional advisor provides.

Media & Recognition

Sky Bird's 50th Anniversary in the Media

Sky Bird’s anniversary has been recognized across travel trade and community media, reflecting the significance of the milestone and the company’s longstanding contribution to the industry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Sky Bird

Sky Bird was founded in 1976 by Arvin and Jaya Shah in Detroit, Michigan. What began as a vision to build a travel company based on trust, service and relationships has grown into an airline consolidator serving travel professionals across North America.

Sky Bird has been in business for 50 years, from 1976 to 2026. The company is celebrating its 50th anniversary by recognizing the people, airline partnerships and travel professionals who have helped shape its journey.

Sky Bird is an airline consolidator that supports travel professionals with airline content, booking solutions, technology and dedicated service. The company works with airline partners and travel advisors to provide solutions that help professionals serve their clients.

Sky Bird primarily serves travel agents and travel advisors across North America. It supports travel professionals through airline partnerships, booking technology, travel solutions and advisor support.

Sky Bird's 50th anniversary in 2026 celebrates five decades in the travel industry, from 1976 to 2026. The milestone recognizes the company's founders, employees, travel advisors, airline partners and other relationships that have contributed to its journey.

Sky Bird was founded in Detroit, Michigan, in 1976 by Arvin and Jaya Shah. From its beginnings in Detroit, the company has expanded its presence and now serves travel professionals across North America.

Sky Bird supports travel advisors through airline partnerships, booking technology, travel solutions and dedicated advisor support. Its focus is on helping travel professionals access the resources and services they need while serving their clients.

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