Universal Air Lines Corporation
| Company type | Division |
|---|---|
| Industry | Airline, Air-rail transport |
| Founded | 1928 |
| Defunct | 1934 |
| Fate | Absorbed into Aviation Corporation (Avco) |
| Headquarters | Kansas City , United States |
Area served | United States (including Cleveland, Kansas City, St. Louis, Tulsa) |
| Products | Passenger air travel ("Sky Dinner" Fokker Trimotors) |
Universal Air Lines operated as an American airline and air-rail enterprise, competing directly with Transcontinental Air Transport. Functioning as a division of Universal Aviation Corporation, which also encompassed Robertson Aircraft Corporation and Northern Air Lines, it expanded its reach by acquiring Braniff Air Lines in 1929. That same year, Universal Aviation Corporation was absorbed into the Aviation Corporation (Avco), playing a role in the creation of American Airlines through the amalgamation of approximately 90 firms.
The airline distinguished itself by promoting air travel with its "Sky Dinner" Fokker Trimotors, providing services comparable to Pullman train accommodations, including features such as an electric stove area for meal preparation, foldable tables, and onboard lavatories. On certain routes like Cleveland to Kansas City, multiple Fokker planes occasionally flew in formation to enhance passenger experience.
Universal Air Lines had placed an order for five Fokker F.32 aircraft and painted one in its colors; however, all orders were subsequently canceled due to the financial strains caused by the Great Depression.
Fleet
In 1929, the Universal Air Lines fleet consisted of:
| Aircraft | Quantity | Routes Served | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fokker F.10 | |||
| Fokker Super Universal | |||
| Travel Air 5 place |
Incidents and accidents
Universal Air Lines shared hangar facilities with NorthWest Airlines at Chicago Municipal Airport. On June 25, 1930, a fire devastated the Universal Air Lines hangar, destroying 27 aircraft and leaving only five intact. The blaze also extended to the adjacent hangar used by Grey Goose Air Lines.