In 1975 Florida Airlines took over both Air South and Shawnee Airlines, because their route networks supplemented that of Florida Airlines perfectly. The two airlines continued to operate under their own names as Florida Airlines subsidiaries, but their combined routes were marketed as "The Connection". Some aircraft carried large "The Connection" titles, and often also the actual airline's name in smaller size. DC-3 N79B for example is seen here carrying small "Florida Airlines" titles on the nose. The Shawnee Airlines subsidiary was shutdown by the FAA in Oct 1977 and sold to Air Miami in 1978.

Delivered to Eastern as NC15597 in 1940. Later N15597. To N79B in 1966 and N102AP in 1981. Crashed on approach to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic in 1991.

The other half of the Carriba fleet (see N77KN). First registered NC15597 to Eastern in 9.40. After many owners, served Shawnee, Dolphin Int'l and Florida Airlines 'The Connection' before joining the new but short-lived Carriba venture in 5.80. Became N102AP in 4.81 and flew for three Virgin Island airlines. Force landed in a sugar plantation after no.2 engine failure near Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic while operated by Victoria Air on 7.6.91