Western Airlines
| Company type | Public |
|---|---|
| Industry | Airline |
| Founded | 1925 |
| Founder | Harris Hanshue |
| Defunct | 1987 |
| Fate | Merged with Delta Air Lines |
| Headquarters | Los Angeles, California , United States |
Area served | Western United States, Alaska, Hawaii, western Canada, Mexico, select eastern US cities, London, Nassau |
Key people | Terrell "Terry" Drinkwater (President), Kirk Kerkorian (Investor) |
| Products | Passenger and cargo air transportation |
Western Airlines was a trunk carrier headquartered in California that primarily served the Western United States, including Alaska and Hawaii, as well as western Canada and prominent cities such as New York City, Boston, Washington, D.C., and Miami. Its international destinations encompassed Mexico City, London, and Nassau. The airline operated major hubs at Los Angeles International Airport, Salt Lake City International Airport, and the former Stapleton International Airport in Denver. Prior to its 1987 merger with Delta Air Lines, Western Airlines was based at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The airline was widely recognized by its enduring slogan: "Western Airlines...The Only Way to Fly!"
Western Air Express
Established in 1925 by Harris Hanshue under the name Western Air Express, the company won the Contract Air Mail Route #4 (CAM-4), covering 650 miles between Salt Lake City, Utah, and Los Angeles. Its inaugural flight took place on April 17, 1926, utilizing a Douglas M-2 aircraft. Shortly thereafter, the airline expanded its operations to include passenger services, broadening its business beyond mail transport. By the mid-1930s, Western Air Express upgraded its fleet with advanced models such as the Boeing 247.
Beyond route operations, Western Air Express invested in airport infrastructure, owning Vail Airport in Montebello, California from 1926 to 1930 and Alhambra Airport from 1930 to 1931. It also ran a seaplane service from Hamilton Cove Seaplane Base on Catalina Island between 1928 and 1930, demonstrating strategic diversification in service offerings.
Transcontinental & Western Air
In 1928, the company was reincorporated as Western Air Express Corp. In 1930, it acquired Standard Air Lines, founded by Paul E. Richter, Jack Frye, and Walter Hamilton. Subsequently, Western Air Express merged with Transcontinental Air Transport to create Transcontinental & Western Air (TWA).
General Air Lines
After separating from TWA in 1934, Western Air Express briefly adopted the name General Air Lines before reverting to its original identity. Its route network during this period connected San Diego, Los Angeles, and Salt Lake City.
Western Airlines
Growth continued through acquisitions such as National Parks Airways in 1937, which extended service northward to Great Falls and Alberta by 1941. The airline rebranded as Western Air Lines in 1941 and later shortened the name to Western Airlines, briefly operating under Western Airlines International between 1967 and 1969. The purchase of Inland Air Lines in 1944 further expanded its network until Inland fully merged into Western by 1952.
By mid-century, Western’s route system formed a distinctive "W" shape linking San Francisco, San Diego, Lethbridge (Canada), Denver, and Huron. Financial difficulties in 1947 compelled the airline to sell its Los Angeles-Denver route along with Douglas DC-6 delivery slots to United Airlines. Expansion efforts included extending service north to Seattle in 1947 and Edmonton in 1950, followed by the launch of nonstop international flights to Mexico City in 1957.
Under President Terrell "Terry" Drinkwater’s tenure, Western experienced regulatory challenges related to route awards that constrained growth compared to competitors despite maintaining an all-American fleet. By 1953, the airline served 38 airports; this number increased to 42 by 1968.
Jet service commenced in 1960 with Boeing 707 aircraft deployed on West Coast routes. In 1967, Western acquired Pacific Northern Airlines based out of Anchorage, Alaska, incorporating Boeing 720 jets and Lockheed Constellations into key routes. The airline further expanded service to Vancouver in 1967 and initiated nonstop flights between California and Hawaii in 1969.
Throughout the late 1960s and early '70s, Western pursued an all-jet fleet strategy by adding Boeing 707-320s, 727-200s, and 737-200s while phasing out turboprop aircraft. In 1973, it introduced nine McDonnell Douglas DC-10-10 wide-body jets marketed as "DC-10 Spaceships," featuring premium configurations including first-class cabins.
Investor Kirk Kerkorian gained control of the airline between 1968 and 1970, implementing management changes and canceling Boeing 747 orders to address overcapacity concerns during the early '70s. Kerkorian retained influence until divesting his holdings in 1976.
A proposed merger with American Airlines in 1969 was ultimately blocked by the Civil Aeronautics Board in 1972 due to opposition from competitors and antitrust issues.
Based in Los Angeles, California, Western operated primary hubs at Los Angeles International Airport and Salt Lake City International Airport following deregulation in 1978. It had previously maintained smaller hubs at Anchorage, Denver, Las Vegas, Minneapolis/St. Paul, and San Francisco.
During its peak operations throughout the '70s and '80s, Western served key cities across the western U.S., Mexico (including Mexico City and Puerto Vallarta), Alaska (Anchorage and Fairbanks), Hawaii (Honolulu), and Canada (Vancouver). Its network extended eastward to major metropolitan areas such as New York City, Washington D.C., Boston, Chicago, St. Louis; Texas markets like Dallas/Ft. Worth and Houston; plus New Orleans.
Within California’s intrastate market, Western competed against PSA, AirCal, Hughes Airwest, and United Airlines. It also operated "Islander" jet services connecting Hawaii from multiple locations that previously lacked direct flights.
Smaller markets were served using Boeing 737-200 jets which replaced Lockheed Electras by the late '70s and into the '80s; these destinations included Butte (MT), Casper (WY), Helena (MT), Idaho Falls (ID), Pierre (SD), Pocatello (ID), Rapid City (SD), Sheridan (WY), and West Yellowstone near Yellowstone National Park.
A planned merger with Continental Airlines in 1978 was canceled after a dispute over naming rights resulted in a coin toss favoring Continental.
Between October 1980 and late 1981, Western offered limited international DC-10 service on routes including Honolulu-Anchorage-London Gatwick as well as briefly operating London-Denver-Las Vegas-Los Angeles flights. Other international services included Los Angeles-Miami-Nassau.
By the mid-1980s, Western had expanded eastward with multiple daily Boeing 737-300 flights connecting Boston-New York LaGuardia alongside major hubs at Salt Lake City and Los Angeles.
Western Express
In 1986, Western Airlines initiated a code-share partnership with SkyWest Airlines, a regional carrier operating Embraer EMB-120 Brasilia and Fairchild Swearingen Metroliner aircraft. SkyWest provided feeder connections to Western’s mainline flights at key hubs such as Salt Lake City, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Phoenix, and San Diego. By the spring of 1987, the SkyWest/Western Express network extended to 36 cities spanning Arizona, California, Colorado, Montana, Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming. Additionally, Western collaborated with South Central Air, based in Alaska, under the Western Express brand to link flights at Anchorage and serve smaller Alaskan destinations including Homer and Kenai. After Western was acquired by Delta Air Lines, SkyWest evolved into a Delta Connection affiliate.
Delta Air Lines merger
During the early 1980s, Air Florida sought to acquire Western Airlines but managed to purchase only a 16% stake. On September 9, 1986, Western and Delta Air Lines announced an $860 million merger agreement. The U.S. Department of Transportation gave its approval on December 11, 1986, followed by shareholder endorsement on December 16, which resulted in Western becoming a wholly owned subsidiary of Delta. By April 1, 1987, the Western brand was discontinued and its workforce integrated into Delta’s operations. The combined fleet included twelve McDonnell Douglas DC-10 aircraft that were repainted in Delta colors; however, these DC-10s were eventually retired due to redundancy with Delta’s Lockheed L-1011 TriStar fleet. Crucially, Delta maintained Western’s vital hubs at Los Angeles and Salt Lake City, which continue to serve as significant gateways.
Destinations in 1987
According to Western’s March 1, 1987 timetable, Salt Lake City International Airport served as its primary hub with Los Angeles International Airport functioning as a secondary hub. The airline operated an extensive network that included major U.S. cities such as Chicago (ORD), Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), Denver (DEN), Houston (IAH), Minneapolis/St. Paul (MSP), New York City (JFK and LGA), San Francisco (SFO), Seattle/Tacoma (SEA), and Washington D.C. (IAD and DCA). Internationally, routes extended to Canadian cities including Calgary (YYC), Edmonton (YEG), Vancouver (YVR), alongside Mexican destinations like Acapulco, Guadalajara, Mazatlán, Mexico City, Puerto Vallarta, and Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo.
Western also offered regional services throughout the western United States, Alaska, and parts of the Midwest with stops in Boise, Billings, Helena, Missoula, Spokane, Tucson, and Tulsa. In Alaska specifically, service reached Anchorage and smaller communities via South Central Air under the Western Express banner. Notably, in 1987 Western operated four daily round-trip flights between Boston Logan International Airport and New York LaGuardia Airport.
This comprehensive route structure demonstrated Western’s strategic focus on capturing market share in key western U.S. markets while expanding international business through Canadian and Mexican destinations prior to its full integration into Delta’s global network.
Former destinations
Historical timetables from the 1940s through the 1980s reveal that Western served numerous locations including prominent markets such as:
- Baltimore, Maryland (BWI) – Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport
- Fort Lauderdale, Florida (FLL) – Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport
- Lethbridge, Alberta – Western’s initial international destination
- London, England (LGW) – London Gatwick Airport (with nonstop DC-10 service to Anchorage and Denver; one-stop service to Honolulu via Anchorage; direct flights to Las Vegas and Los Angeles via Denver)
- Miami, Florida (MIA) – Miami International Airport
- Nassau, Bahamas (one-stop DC-10 flight to Los Angeles via Miami)
Additional destinations included numerous cities across Alaska, Montana, South Dakota, Utah, Colorado, and Arizona. Seasonal operations also included service to West Yellowstone in Montana.
Revenue passenger miles
| Year | Western | Pacific Northern Airlines | Inland Air Lines |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1951 | 216 | 138 | 41 |
| 1955 | 514 | 123 | (absorbed by Western in 1952) |
| 1960 | 1027 | 116 | |
| 1965 | 2040 | 198 | |
| 1970 | 5072 | (integrated into Western in 1967) | |
| 1975 | 6998 | ||
| 1980 | 8790 | ||
| 1985 | 10422 |
Advertising
Western Airlines established a strong market presence through its memorable advertising efforts. The airline’s famous 1956 tagline, "It's the oooooonly way to fly!", delivered by actor Shepard Menken as the character Wally Bird, became a cultural touchstone featured in cartoons and popular media. Additionally, Western capitalized on celebrity endorsements, including appearances by Star Trek stars William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy, and later utilized comedian Rodney Dangerfield in promotional campaigns prior to its Delta merger.
During the 1970s, Western adopted the slogan "the champagne airline," distinguishing itself by offering complimentary champagne to passengers aged over 21, enhancing its image as a premium carrier. The airline’s corporate branding, known as the "Flying W," was launched in 1970 with a striking red "W" set against a white fuselage. This design was refined in the 1980s to feature a bare-metal fuselage with the red "Flying W" accompanied by a dark blue shadow, earning the nickname "Bud Lite" due to its similarity to a well-known beer can design.
Western Airlines attracted an elite clientele, including Hollywood icons such as Marilyn Monroe, who were frequently highlighted in the airline’s onboard publication Western's World. Its reputation for luxury and exclusivity played a key role in drawing affluent customers.
Captain "Red" Dodge, an executive pilot with a colorful background including CIA connections, contributed to the airline’s mystique. His adventurous life inspired the movie Breakout (1975), indirectly associating Western Airlines with notable government activities.
The airline also gained visibility through popular culture: it appeared in the Carpenters' music video for "I Need to Be in Love" (1976), showcasing its DC-10 aircraft and premium FiftyFair seating. In the 1980s, Western’s flights were often offered as prizes on major television game shows such as The Price Is Right and The $25,000 Pyramid, significantly enhancing brand recognition.
These marketing initiatives aligned with Western Airlines’ strategy of differentiating itself through luxury service and celebrity partnerships, contributing to sustained business expansion until its eventual merger.
Fleet in 1986
By 1986, Western Airlines maintained a fleet comprising 78 jet aircraft:
| Aircraft | In Service | Orders |
|---|---|---|
| Boeing 727-200 | 46 | — |
| Boeing 737-200 | 19 | 40 |
| Boeing 737-300 | 3 | 14 |
| McDonnell Douglas DC-10-10 | 10 | — |
| Total | 78 | 54 |
In 1981, Western introduced the McDonnell Douglas DC-10-30 variant for its London service routes, representing the largest aircraft type operated by the airline.
Fleet in 1970
By the year 1970, Western Airlines operated a total of 75 aircraft, which comprised:
- 5 units of the Boeing 707-320C
- 29 Boeing 720 models, including both turbojet and turbofan variants
- 6 Boeing 727-200
- 30 Boeing 737-200
- 5 Lockheed L-188 Electra, representing the airline's sole turboprop aircraft type
Earlier piston fleet
The airline's earlier inventory featured piston-engine aircraft such as the Boeing 247D, Convair 240, Douglas DC-3, DC-4, DC-6B, and L-749 Constellation series. The L-749 Constellations, acquired through Pacific Northern Airlines, primarily served smaller Alaskan locations during the late 1960s.
Accidents and incidents
Western Airlines' operational history includes several significant accidents and security events:
- On December 15, 1936, a Boeing 247 crashed near Salt Lake City, Utah, with seven fatalities.
- January 12, 1937: Western Air Express Flight 7 went down near Newhall, California, resulting in five deaths.
- December 15, 1942: A transport flight crashed close to Fairfield, Utah; out of nineteen occupants, seventeen lost their lives.
- November 13, 1946: Flight 23 crashed south of Gorman, California; all eleven passengers and crew perished.
- December 24, 1946: Flight 44 collided with the Laguna Mountains near San Diego due to pilot error; twelve fatalities occurred.
- April 20, 1953: Flight 636 descended below its safe altitude and crashed into San Francisco Bay; eight people died.
- February 26, 1954: Flight 34 crashed near Wright, Wyoming; resulting in nine fatalities.
- Between February and June of 1971–1972, multiple hijackings targeted Boeing aircraft demanding rerouting to Cuba, North Vietnam, or political asylum. The June 2, 1972 hijacking by Vietnam War veterans involved a ransom demand and concluded with asylum granted in Algeria; this remains the longest-distance hijacking recorded in U.S. history.
- March 31, 1971: Flight 366 crashed during a proficiency check flight near Ontario, California; five crew members were killed.
- March 31, 1975: Flight 470 overran the runway at Casper Airport amid poor visibility conditions; the aircraft was written off and four passengers sustained injuries.
- July 31, 1979: A flight mistakenly landed in Buffalo rather than Sheridan, Wyoming; although no injuries occurred, this event established important legal precedent (Ferguson v. NTSB).
- October 31, 1979: Flight 2605 crashed at Mexico City International Airport after landing on a closed runway; seventy-two fatalities resulted.
These events prompted increased regulatory oversight and enhancements to safety procedures within the airline sector.