ILUV767 From United States of America, joined May 2000, 3141 posts, RR: 8 Posted (12 years 1 month 2 weeks 4 days 7 hours ago) and read 2335 times:
Ladies and Gentlemen,
April 6th is a very special day for avaition and the airline industry because it is United's 75th anniversary.
In the past 75 years United Airlines has made a lot of history. We've had our good times, and our bad times. And yet, the planes with the "U"s on the tails are still flying.
I would like to take a few moments to look back on the history of United Airlines:
United Airlines was born in the early 1920's. They formed from Varney Airlines, National Air Transport and Boeing Air Transport.
In 1926, Walter Varney, and his airline Varney Airlines were transporting the mail...and the occasional passenger. They were flying an open cockpit biplane over mountainous, snow covered terrain from Pasco Washington to Boise, and Elko.
In September of 1927, Natational Air Transport, and Boeing Air transport began the first transcontinental service for paying passengers.
In 1931, Varney, Boeing Air Transport, National Air Transport, and Pacific Air Transport formed to become United Airlines.
United Airlines had many firsts during its 75 year history. Boeing Air Transport, hired nurses to be stewardesses.
In 1936, United opened the first flight kitchen making hte first airline meals for passengers. Early meals included scrambled eggs, and fried chicken.
January 1st, 1941: UA established the first employee pension program
June 1st, 1954: United launched the first non-stop transcontinental flight.
October 1955: United was the first U.S. carrier to order the DC-8 jet.
April 28th, 1968: United launched the industry's first 737 service.
June 7th, 1995: United launched the 777.
March 5th, 1999: United was the first U.S. carrier with a flat bed for first class passengers.
July 30th, 1999: United was the first U.S. airline to have domestic partner benifets.
United Airlines has come a long way since the early days of flying. In 1930, passengers flying coast to coast could expect a journey of 2 and a half days with 15 stops along the way. Now, they can do it in less than 6 hours.
Passengers nowadays enjoy their own personal television screen, on most widebody planes, as well as in-seat phones.
Before 1983, United Airlines was a domestic carrier...well almost. They did serve Canada and Mexico, but no ocean crossings. They focused on building a strong domestic network. In 1983, United was granted the rights on SEA-NRT flights. In 1985, United agreeded to purchase Pan Am's pacific routes, making United a true international carrier. In 1986, they began serivice to 13 pacific cities.
United began to expand internationaly. In 1989, they bough some Pan Am europe flights, and in 1991, they bought some Pan Am Latin America flights. These purchases made Untied Airlines a true international carrier.
In 1997, United Airlines, and four other carriers bagan what is now the largest airline alliance in the world, Star Alliance.
Just a few days ago, United re-started its around the world flight serving IAD-LHR-DEL-HKG-LAX.
United Airlines has a record keeping safety at the top of the list. In the early days, United was working to help create ground to plane radio. In 1954, United was the first carrier to begin using electronic cockpit simulators for there pilot training.
United helped develop the first weater mapping radar in the early 1950's, and was the first to install it in to the fleet by 1955. This allowed United to land DC-8's at airports with as little as a 100 foot ceiling, and quarter mile visability.
In the past decade, United helped Boeing develop the 777.
In 1948, United Airlines opened its maintence base in SFO. It was the most advanced facility of this kind. I n 1994, United Airlines opened up its maintence base in IND. With 35 flight simulators, Denver training center is the pargest of its kind. United even trains pilots from other airlines. United Airlines also trains the pilots of Air Force One.
Upon acquiring Capital Airlines in 1961, United became the largest comercial airline. Now United is trying to keep up the United tradition with the purchase of US Airways.
"Fly the Friendly Skies" was the most famous advertising slogans introduced in 1965.
United Airlines has been featured in many major motion pictures. Titles include "Home Alone," "Sleepless in Seattle," "My Best Friends Wedding," and "The Thomas Crown Affair."
United Airlines is the offical carrier of the National Football League.
United Airlines has also had its fair share of downs. From the Sioux City DC-10 crash to the Summer from Hell, United has pulled through.
Currently, United is the largest Airbus operator in the United States, and the largest 777 operator in the world. The gray planes with the "U" on the tail can be seen and recognized from a distance. With hubs in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Denver, Chicago, New York, Washington D.C. and Miami, United has a very excusive route network widly imitated, but never matched. With the fleet of A319s, A320s, 737s, 747s, 757s, 767s, and 777s, United is there, moving person after person, and linking the world with Star Alliance. Lets hope for another 75 years of "U N I T E D"
Jean Leloup From Canada, joined Apr 2001, 2106 posts, RR: 23 Reply 1, posted (12 years 1 month 2 weeks 4 days 7 hours ago) and read 2214 times:
Wow.. great job. I've always been impressed with the sheer size of United. Sooo many big planes. Simplistic, I know, but that's what it comes down to sometimes! And now with US Airways, wow.. much much bigger. All the best to UAL!
Sushka From United States of America, joined Nov 1999, 4784 posts, RR: 16 Reply 2, posted (12 years 1 month 2 weeks 4 days 7 hours ago) and read 2199 times:
They were also the first to have flight attendants, they had to be nurses. I love United!
The777Man From United States of America, joined Jul 1999, 6082 posts, RR: 56 Reply 4, posted (12 years 1 month 2 weeks 4 days 7 hours ago) and read 2185 times:
Nice Post!! Congratulations United Airlines !!!!! The777Man
Need a Boeing 777 Firing Order....Further to fly....GA, T5, CI and LX 777s
EIPremier From United States of America, joined Sep 2000, 1533 posts, RR: 2 Reply 5, posted (12 years 1 month 2 weeks 4 days 6 hours ago) and read 2169 times:
Nice post, David!
You might want to consider making an article submission on these lines. If anyone is qualified to give a history of United, it's you! Just as a suggestion, I would try to integrate the photos within the text to better illustrate your essay, rather than placing them all at the end. Again, just a suggestion.
NY-JFK-LGA From United States of America, joined Jan 2000, 374 posts, RR: 2 Reply 6, posted (12 years 1 month 2 weeks 4 days 6 hours ago) and read 2165 times:
It was well written and everything. For me not being a large UA fan, I must say its very good. UA is a good airline, I just never liked them. Its mostly a love to hate thing. They are one of many majors, of course the biggest in some terms. But, what would the world of airlines & airliners be without good ol' competition eh? By the way, if you all wanted to know, I'm strictly a Delta, JetBlue, Continental & extremely close to being an NW person too. The majority is flat out Delta though. Since I'll most likely be employed by NW, I'll also end up being a loyal fan of them too like Delta. But for now, Delta Air Lines, is my airline.
ILUV767 From United States of America, joined May 2000, 3141 posts, RR: 8 Reply 7, posted (12 years 1 month 2 weeks 4 days 6 hours ago) and read 2167 times:
I sent an email off, requesting that this topic becomes an article.
ILUV767 From United States of America, joined May 2000, 3141 posts, RR: 8 Reply 10, posted (12 years 1 month 2 weeks 4 days 5 hours ago) and read 2148 times:
HNL was a domestic flight. I was refering to international.
Flyboydc From United States of America, joined Jun 2007, 0 posts, RR: 0 Reply 14, posted (12 years 1 month 2 weeks 3 days 21 hours ago) and read 2118 times:
In your list of movies, you forgot to mention United's prominent placement in the classic 1967 film, "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner," starring Sidney Poitier, alongside Spencer Tracy and Katherine Hepburn.
The film opens up with with a prominent and long shot of a United DC-8, with the old while-body, blue stripe livery soaring across the screen, then landing at SFO. Later, and old 727 is shown blocking in.
(I'm sure there are other movies which feature United, but United's placement in the opening scene in so prominent, it simply must be mentioned!)
Matt D From United States of America, joined Nov 1999, 9502 posts, RR: 51 Reply 15, posted (12 years 1 month 2 weeks 3 days 21 hours ago) and read 2114 times:
Even though I would approach the thought of flying on United with all the enthusiasm of one about to lick a cats litter box, 75 years is indeed a crowning achievement, and worthy of a salute.
So United now joins the elite 75 year club. The only other members of this distinguished organization that I know of are:
RayChuang From United States of America, joined Jun 2000, 7694 posts, RR: 5 Reply 17, posted (12 years 1 month 2 weeks 3 days 20 hours ago) and read 2101 times:
I was hoping that UA paint one of the jets in the 1960's livery to celebrate their 75th Anniversary. How about doing it on a 767-300ER or 777-200ER?
ORD From United States of America, joined Jul 1999, 1370 posts, RR: 1 Reply 19, posted (12 years 1 month 2 weeks 3 days 17 hours ago) and read 2091 times:
United did not purchase some Pan Am European routes (the London Heathrow routes) in 1989 as you state. The purchase was announced in October 1990 and flights first began in April 1991.
Redraider From United States of America, joined Oct 2000, 531 posts, RR: 2 Reply 20, posted (12 years 1 month 2 weeks 3 days 17 hours ago) and read 2087 times:
AA celebrates its 75th on April 15, 2001
My wife can't wrestle, but you should see her box.
ILUV767 From United States of America, joined May 2000, 3141 posts, RR: 8 Reply 22, posted (12 years 1 month 2 weeks 3 days 13 hours ago) and read 2072 times:
ORD:
I said that United purchased some of their Europe routes...hint hint...LHR.
Matt D From United States of America, joined Nov 1999, 9502 posts, RR: 51 Reply 23, posted (12 years 1 month 2 weeks 3 days 13 hours ago) and read 2065 times:
United could do the world an inestimable favor and show its appreciation for 75 years of "service" by voluntarily shutting down and liquidating itself.
Imkeww From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 24, posted (12 years 1 month 2 weeks 3 days 13 hours ago) and read 2061 times:
... and then the nation's (and even major world business center's) travel network would be in a state of disrepair.
The world needs United, United needs the world.
Quite a witty comment Matt D, but not a funny joke.
take it easy =)
25 KonaB777: How dare you show your presence on this forum, Matt D. If you don't like U N I T E D, then don't bitch about it, just fly AAwful. Most of the U N I T
26 DeltaSFO: The world needs United, United needs the world. Hah! These words spoken about the brilliant guys over in the North Terminal that just oversold our LAX
27 ILUV767: KonaB777 wrote: How dare you show your presence on this forum, Matt D. If you don't like U N I T E D, then don't bitch about it, just fly AAwful. Most
28 Matt D: Actually, I HAVE flown United. I would rather douse my body with honey, and dive into a beehive than endure that experience again. There are simply no
29 ILUV767: MattD wrote Actually, I HAVE flown United. I would rather douse my body with honey, and dive into a beehive than endure that experience again. There a
30 Chepos: Felicidades United! (Congrats United) I've never flown United so I cant say wether they are good or bad, but I'll tell you this United has done someth
31 DeltaSFO: Okay ILUV767 Congratulations to United Airlines on 75 years of success. It really is a great airline, the Pan Am of its day. If they would just learn
32 An-225: I don't think United is bad at all - every airline has its problems. I flew with them twice - NYC-DEN and DEN-BOS. Their planes are clean and service
33 WavyRibbons: Congratulations United Airlines on 75 years of serving passengers, both friendly and irate beyond belief!!! Best of luck to the grey planes and their
34 DeltaRNOmd-80: Matt D- Your above posts cracked me up, LOL! I have flown United BOS-ORD-ANC and MCO-DEN-RNO. The FA's were nice and me and my sister had no real prob
35 Aio86: Hello, I celebrated United's 75th birthday today (now it's yesterday), on the flight I took April 6, 2001 from LAX-IAD on a not even two month old A31
36 777-500ER: Good job United! You have flown me in the best way! Michael SFO
37 ILUV767: aio86 wrote: By the way, people who say they hate United, or any other airline: If you fly often enough, you'll know there are times when you have rea
39 AgnusBymaster: You said United was born of three airlines, but then you said they were born of four airlines. Who exactly was Pacific Air?
40 Sdate747: I love UNITED! I would never fly anything else. Only wish they served IAD - FRA - BOM. I am also a fan of the Star Alliance. Happy Birthday United and
41 TWA902fly: Its a great thing people still care about United. They have been a great airline, and they will be a great airline if they continue to better their se
42 The777Man: Pacific Air Transport was awarded Air Mail Route 8 SEA to LAX. They initially flew 7 Ryan M-1 monoplanes and flew SEA to LAX via PDX, MFR, SFO, FAT an
44 Chepos: Lloyd Aereo Boliviano became 75 years old in 2000 . Chepos Puerto Rico
45 SegmentKing: Just a few comments. United wasn't in "Home Alone", but American. United was also featured in "Jerry Maguire" and a ton of other movies, but I can't r
46 Jiml1126: I am hoping UA will get a big gifts for their 75th Birthday: UA gets green light to buy US Airways. BTW, is United Airlines dropping the word "Airline
47 NikonF100: Well written. Although I must agree with Matt D's statment about UA shutting down. I've had a total of 15 United flights from 1996 to 2000. My last 3
48 Hugo: Great job, David. I do wish, however, that the 75th anniversary milestone inspires the current management of United to do some serious soul-searching
49 Boeing747-400: CONGRATS UNITED! UA WILL ALWAYS BE THE #1 AIRLINE!
50 Lindbergh Line: TWA was and will be the greatest airline ever.
51 Pendrilsaint: Congrats United=) I have to admit...they have the best service out west ...no other airline will fly you into the backwoods of wyoming like United wil
52 ILUV767: hey everyone, I was on flights all this week, and they had video programming about the history of United. Sadly, I missed it because I was talking wit
53 Greg: Congrats to United on 75 years..well done! Congrats to AA on their 75 years as well..true innovators! Sorry about TWA..but it was destined to die...a
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