Airline history
Follow the fleet.
Understand the airline.
Explore the aircraft choices, operating eras, and lasting significance of five notable U.S. airlines.
Merged into USAir in 1989
Piedmont Airlines
Piedmont grew from a regional carrier in the Southeast into a major airline with hubs at Charlotte, Baltimore, and Dayton. Its route system and operational culture became a central part of the expanding USAir network.
Ceased operations December 4, 1991
Pan American World Airways
Pan Am grew from Caribbean mail routes into the best-known American international airline of the twentieth century. It helped pioneer long-distance flying boats, pressurized airliners, global jet travel, and wide-body service.
Ceased operations January 18, 1991
Eastern Air Lines
Eastern built one of the largest domestic networks in the United States, with particular strength along the East Coast and through Miami and Atlanta. It was associated with innovations ranging from shuttle service to the launch of major jetliner types.
Merged with United; operating certificate combined in 2011
Continental Airlines
Continental evolved from a small Southwestern carrier into a major global airline. After severe financial distress, it rebuilt around hubs in Newark, Houston, and Cleveland before merging with United.
Operating
JetBlue Airways
JetBlue launched with new Airbus aircraft, seatback television, and a customer-focused low-fare model centered on New York–JFK. It later expanded across the Americas and into transatlantic service.