TWA USA Europe Africa Asia

History of TWA

Trans World Airlines (TWA) was formed in 1924 as Transcontinental & Western Air. The airline’s first route was New York to Los Angeles, soon followed by multiple National routes.

The airline expanded to serve Europe, the Middle East and Asia after WWII when the company was under the control of Howard Hughes, owner from 1939 until 1961. Hughes was a dominant force in expanding and promoting the routes flown by his company. At that time, With American, United, and Eastern, it was one of the “Big Four“ domestic airlines in the United States.

The economy was vastly improving, and travels through air for business and pleasure increased too. Posters were a key element to promoting this form of travel and TWA. The airline started a decline in the 1970s that ended up in a third bankruptcy that caused their acquisition by American Airlines in 2001.

Fly TWA USA Overseas
Fly TWA finest

About this TWA litho (Main)

This small litho with its message “TWA To and Across America, Trans World Airline-U.S.A.-Europe-Africa-Asia” shows in foreground Statue of Liberty (an iconic image of New York) and a Lockheed Constellation flying in the air.

Title: “Trans World Airline USA Europe Africa Asia”

Creator: N/A

Ref / Date: TWA-E-1950s-A / 2013

Keywords: 1950s | Airlines | Label | TWA

About this other TWA litho (Left)

Generic TWA promotion litho picturing a Lockheed Constellation, fliying above the clouds.

Title: “Across the U.S and Overseas, Fly TWA, Trans World Airlines”

Creator: N/A

Ref / Date: TWA-E-1950s-B / 2013

About this last TWA litho (Right)

Two Lockheed Constellations parked on a airport.

Title: “Fly the finest, Fly TWA”

Creator: Frank Soltesz, 1952

Ref / Date: TWA-E-1952-A / 2013