United Airlines History
United Airlines traces its roots to a 1926 airmail flight in Idaho and grew into one of the largest airlines in the world. Here's a short history of United, plus the United Airlines collection that celebrates it.
Airmail pioneers (1926-1934)
On April 6, 1926, Varney Air Lines flew its first contract airmail route, from Boise, Idaho, to Pasco, Washington. A year later William Boeing set up Boeing Air Transport. On May 15, 1930, Boeing Air Transport flew registered nurse Ellen Church as a stewardess on a Boeing 80A between Oakland and Chicago. United claims her as the first airline stewardess. Boeing's parent company was by then called United Aircraft and Transport Corporation, and on March 28, 1931, it formed United Air Lines, Inc. to manage its airlines.
The Patterson years (1934-1963)
The 1934 airmail scandal broke up the parent company and split the airline from the aircraft makers. W. A. Patterson became United's president that year and led it until 1963. United received its first jet, a Douglas DC-8, in the late 1950s. On June 1, 1961, it merged with Capital Airlines and became the second-largest airline in the world.
New looks and new oceans (1973-1999)
In 1973 United hired designer Saul Bass, and his tulip logo appeared in 1974. In 1985 United agreed to buy Pan Am's Pacific Division, and by late 1986 it served thirteen Pacific destinations. In 1994 employees acquired 55% of the company's stock, making United the largest employee-owned company in the world. In 1997 United helped found Star Alliance, the first global airline alliance.
United and Continental (2010-today)
On October 1, 2010, United's parent completed its acquisition of Continental Airlines. The combined airline kept the United name and is headquartered in Chicago.
A few things collectors love
- Ellen Church's 1930 flight started the flight attendant profession, and United still celebrates her as the first stewardess.
- Saul Bass's tulip logo flew on United's planes from 1974 until the 2010 Continental merger.
- United's family tree reaches back to Varney's 1926 airmail route, one of the earliest in the United States.
Shop United Airlines
Browse United Airlines logo T-shirts, coffee mugs, coasters, tote bags and vintage designs in the United Airlines collection. Add an airline bag tag or key tag for the frequent flyer in your life.
AirlineEmployeeShop.com is an independent retailer of airline memorabilia. This page is for historical interest and is not affiliated with or endorsed by United Airlines.