Capital Airlines History: Washington's Viscount Airline – Airline Employee Shop

Capital Airlines History

Capital Airlines grew from a Pittsburgh airmail line into the Washington-based carrier that brought the turboprop Viscount to America, before joining United in 1961. Here's a short history of Capital, plus the Capital Airlines collection that celebrates them.

Airmail roots in Pittsburgh (1926-1936)

The story starts with Clifford A. Ball, a McKeesport, Pennsylvania car dealer who won airmail route No. 11 in 1926. Clifford Ball Airline began flying between Pittsburgh and Cleveland in April 1927 and started carrying passengers in 1928. Ball sold out in 1930 and the company became Pennsylvania Airlines. On November 1, 1936, it merged with rival Central Airlines to form Pennsylvania Central Airlines, or PCA.

Pennsylvania Central (1936-1948)

PCA flew Boeing 247s and Stinsons at first, then added Douglas DC-3s in 1940. In 1941 it moved its headquarters to the new Washington National Airport as one of the field's three original tenants, and it began calling itself "The Capital Airline." Its planes were known as "Capitaliners." Douglas DC-4s joined the fleet after the war, in 1946.

Capital Airlines (1948-1961)

On April 21, 1948, PCA took a new name, new colors and a new insignia: Capital Airlines. That same year it launched the "Nighthawk," one of the first coach-class services, flying overnight between New York and Chicago at a lower fare. Lockheed Constellations arrived in 1950. In 1955 Capital became the first U.S. airline to fly the British-built Vickers Viscount, opening turboprop service between Washington and Chicago on July 26, 1955. The Viscount became the airline's signature aircraft.

Merger with United (1960-1961)

The late 1950s were hard on Capital. A 38-day machinists' strike hit in the fall of 1958, finances slipped, and in May 1960 Vickers foreclosed on the Viscount fleet. A merger with United Airlines was announced on July 28, 1960, and completed on June 1, 1961. At the time it was the largest airline merger in history. United kept more than 40 of Capital's Viscounts flying.

A few things collectors love

  • "Capitaliners": the name PCA and Capital used for their aircraft from 1941.
  • The Nighthawk: the late-night New York-Chicago coach flight that helped open air travel to more people.
  • The Viscount: Capital was the first U.S. operator of the four-engine turboprop.

Shop Capital Airlines

Browse Capital Airlines logo T-shirts, coffee mugs, coasters, tote bags and vintage designs in the Capital Airlines collection. Add an airline bag tag or key tag for a classic touch on your next trip.

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