There are celebrations happening in every United Airlines office around the globe, today, 06APR26. Why? Because today is the day that the first ever flight took place, 100 years ago, of an enterprise that would soon develop into one of the world’s largest airlines – and a household name, recognized by travelers and freight forwarders, alike.
The story began, 100 years ago, with a brief flight operated by a Laird Swallow open cockpit biplane carrying just under 100 kgs of mail (CFG reported). It took off from Pasco (WA) to Elko (NV) on that 06APR in 1926, initially under the name of Varney Air Lines, which was then renamed United Airlines in 1931. Over the following decades, the airline transformed from a tiny biplane fleet delivering airmail logistics, to a 1,100-strong fleet of varied jet engine/long-distance aircraft, that now serves a network of over 350 destinations all across the world. Today, passengers fill the main decks, and cargo is carried in the lower deck holds. Around 113,200 international employees ensure that schedules are adhered to, passengers are happy, and shipments reach their destinations safely and as planned. Among United’s current staff is even a descendant family member of the pilot, Leon Dewey ‘Lee’ Cuddeback, who flew that first ever flight, 100 years ago. And while that inaugural flight carried just airmail, United Airline’s 4000+ daily flights now transport all kinds of commodities, be they general cargo, pharmaceuticals, perishables, time-critical shipments, or high-value goods.
Innovative and pioneering
“Paper and manual processes have given way to increasingly intelligent digital operations, which have – in turn – enhanced United’s performance in terms of punctuality, efficiency, and shipment visibility,” the airline’s press release states, going on to list ways in which United Airlines has shaped air travel and transport as we know it today: “from introducing the first flight attendants in 1930, and setting the template for modern cabin service, to being the first carrier to offer non-stop transcontinental flights without overnight stops, using a Boeing 247, to installing the first onboard flight kitchens and hot-meal services, for example. United was the first global airline to commit to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and is the U.S.’ largest purchaser and user of SAF. Its digital app is one of the most downloaded airline apps in the world and is often cited as a leading example of successful customer service technology. [Also] giving back to the community has been a strong focus since the beginning. In addition to environmental sustainability, the airline supports disaster relief flights, conservation projects, charities and volunteer programs such as United We Care.”
United Airlines’ biggest fan joins in celebration
Reasons enough to celebrate, therefore – which United’s teams are all doing in their own special way at airports and branch offices around the world, as they honor that first flight and reflect on their own company highlights over the past years.
And United Airlines’ biggest fan is in on the party, too. You could be forgiven for thinking that this refers to its recent VIP passenger, Hennifer (CFG reported), but while she is also no doubt toasting the airline on its centennial, the fan in question is, in fact, a completely different bird. Actually, not a bird at all, but a fiberglass Brachiosaurus replica who goes by the name of Ernestine, or Ernie for short. She found a new home in Chicago O’Hare International Airport’s Terminal 1, in 1999, after being evicted from Chicago’s Field Museum to make way for T-Rex Sue, at the time. (United Airlines’ main headquarters are in Chicago.) Since then, she has often been an active supporter of Chicago’s sports team, be it the Blackhawks, Cubs, Bears or Bulls and can be spotted wearing their jerseys. Ernie has added her own sparkle to United Airlines’ centennial celebrations, this time, all decked out in a tailored, one-off 100 Years’ Livery Look jersey – creating a very special photo opportunity for anyone passing through the terminal.
“Today, United Airlines salutes and thanks its staff, its partners, and its customers, as it celebrates 100 years of success and embarks on the next 100 years,” the special press release commemorating the airline’s impressive anniversary, concludes.
