Trans World Airlines facts for kids

TWA logo (1975-1996)

A TWA Boeing 747 jet

Trans World Airlines (TWA) was once one of the biggest airlines in the United States. For many years, TWA planes flew people all over the world. It was known for its stylish service and modern aircraft. The airline started flying in 1924 and grew to be a major player in air travel.

However, TWA faced many money problems over time. Because of these issues, it stopped flying in 2001. Another large airline, American Airlines, then bought TWA. This marked the end of a long and important chapter in aviation history.

TWA's Early Days: How It Started

TWA began as a small airline called Western Air Express. This was way back in 1925. It first carried mail, not passengers. Soon after, it merged with Transcontinental Air Transport (TAT). This new company became Transcontinental & Western Air, Inc. (T&WA).

Connecting Coasts: The Lindbergh Line

In the early days, flying across the country was a big deal. T&WA was famous for its "Lindbergh Line." This route offered a combination of train and plane travel. It allowed people to go from coast to coast in about 48 hours. This was very fast for the 1930s! The airline used planes like the Douglas DC-2 and Douglas DC-3. These aircraft were quite advanced for their time.

Growing Big: TWA's Golden Age

After World War II, TWA grew even more. It started flying to many international cities. This made it a global airline. It changed its name to Trans World Airlines in 1946. TWA became known for its excellent service and luxurious flights.

Famous Planes: Flying High

TWA used many different types of airplanes. Some of its most famous planes included:

• The Lockheed Constellation: This plane was very stylish and fast. It helped TWA offer long-distance flights.
• The Boeing 707: TWA was one of the first airlines to use jet planes. The 707 made travel much quicker.
• The Boeing 747: This "jumbo jet" allowed TWA to carry many more passengers. It was a symbol of modern air travel.
• The Lockheed L-1011 TriStar: This wide-body jet was also a key part of TWA's fleet.

Global Routes: Where TWA Flew

TWA had a huge network of routes. It flew to major cities across the United States. It also had many international flights. You could fly TWA to places like Europe, the Middle East, and even Asia. Its main hubs were in New York City, St. Louis, and Kansas City.

The End of an Era: Why TWA Stopped Flying

In the later years, TWA faced many challenges. The airline industry became very competitive. Fuel prices went up, and other airlines offered lower fares. TWA also had some financial troubles and changes in ownership.

Merger with American Airlines

By the late 1990s, TWA was struggling. In 2001, American Airlines bought TWA. This meant TWA's planes, routes, and employees became part of American Airlines. On December 1, 2001, TWA officially stopped flying. Even today, American Airlines sometimes uses special paint schemes on its planes to remember TWA's history.

Images for kids

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  Lindbergh Line DC-2

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  TWA coast-to-coast schedules and route map, September, 1933

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  Experimental TWA test aircraft

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  A TWA Douglas DC-3 is prepared for takeoff from Columbus, Ohio, in 1940.

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  TWA Air Mail & Express service. March, 1943

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  C-69-1-LO / L-049 Constellation, c/n 1970, formerly 42-94549, painted as "Star of Switzerland" of TWA, on display at the Pima Air & Space Museum

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  The TWA Corporate Headquarters' Building in Kansas City, Missouri with TWA Moonliner II atop its southwest corner from 1956–62 replicating the TWA Moonliner Tomorrowland attraction at Disneyland

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  TWA's maintenance hangar at Philadelphia airport, built in 1956, from an undated photo from Historic American Engineering Record

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  TWA added the Convair 880 jet airliner to its US-based fleet beginning in 1960.

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  The Trans World Flight Center at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York

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  TWA operated Boeing 707 single-aisle jets in the 1960s.

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  TWA Boeing 747SP at Heathrow Airport in 1983

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  TWA operated the L-1011 TriStar wide-body jetliner

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  At its heyday, TWA operated a fleet of 747-100 aircraft.

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  One City Centre in downtown St. Louis, which at one time served as the headquarters of TWA

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  A TWA 757-231 in an AA/TWA Hybrid livery to promote their merger

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  The American Airlines Boeing 737-800 in TWA heritage livery (registered N915NN) is shown here taxiing to the American Airlines terminal at Miami International Airport in February 2017, more than 16 years after TWA proper ceased to exist

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  Passengers from the hijacked TWA plane arrive at Lod.

See also

In Spanish: Trans World Airlines para niños