Donald Neilson

Donald Ray Neilson, age 88, passed away peacefully at home on December 25, 2014. He was born on August 24, 1926 in Hollywood, California to Sarah and Ferdinand Neilson, where he grew up and graduated from high school.

After graduation Don joined the Army Air Corp where he trained as a fighter pilot during World War II. He never saw action as the war ended before he was deployed. After he was discharged Don attended California College of Commerce where he obtained a Bachelor's Degree in accounting in 1950. In 1952 Don joined Bonanza Airlines in Las Vegas as a Cost Accountant. In 1963 Don was appointed Vice President, Research and Development for Bonanza, responsible for airline schedule planning, fares, airline economic analysis, route development and regulatory matters with the Civil Aeronautics Board. In 1968 Don became Vice President of Research and Development at Air West, Inc., an airline that developed from the merger of Bonanza, Pacific and West Coast Airlines. He retired from Air West in 1969.

Don joined Ed Beauvais at the newly created aviation consulting firm, Beauvais, Roberts and Associates, in 1970, as a Senior Vice President where he performed evaluation and creation of economic analyses and studies for airline, city and regional clients. Studies included the evaluation of historic traffic characteristics, service patterns and equipment used in addition to related pricing in various markets. Analyses subsequent to airline deregulation in 1978 also included examination of airline market potential and related equipment, fare requirements, frequency and timing to produce the most desirable financial results.

In March, 1981, Ed Beauvais and Don outlined a Phoenix Hub start up airline that embraced many routes that they had been working on for more than 15 years. This led to a complete business plan that served to support the concept and startup of America West Airlines. Don went on to become Vice President of Research and Development for America West Airlines where he remained until he retired in 1986.

Don was well known by many in the aviation industry and considered by many to be a genius.

Don is survived by his niece, Judy Weaver, and her family. He will be missed by his many friends and associates.