At all airports and corporate offices across United Airlines’ vast international network, employees are celebrating its incredible centennial – each in their own special way. And that includes the airline’s honorary representative, ‘Ernestine’ the Brachiosaurus, over in Terminal 1 of Chicago O’Hare International Airport. Decked in United Airlines brand colors, she’s the height of centenary fashion and a success ambassador, spreading the anniversary message.
What began with a single airmail flight from Pasco (WA) to Elko (NV), back on 6 April 1926, has since grown into one of the world’s largest airlines, with a fleet of almost 1,100 aircraft, and a network of more than 350 destinations across six continents. Today, everyone at United Airlines is commemorating that first flight and looking back on 100 years of bold ideas, groundbreaking innovation and industry-changing milestones – initiatives that have shaped United Airlines and will continue to define its future.
The past century has seen United Airlines develop from a dedicated national airmail logistics provider into a visionary international carrier, connecting people and facilitating global trade. Yesteryear’s initial fleet of biplanes soon grew to include jet planes and long-range aircraft, extending United’s geographical reach and enabling increasing passenger numbers and cargo products. Alongside airmail and general cargo, United Airlines now offers specialized cargo services for pharmaceuticals, perishables, time-critical shipments, and high-value goods. 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.
And the airline has pioneered all kinds of service innovations 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.
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.
Innovation, vision and doing good – those criteria will continue to play a key role in United’s future. Yet, at the heart of its success, are United Airlines’ people. Chief Pilot, Leon Dewey ‘Lee’ Cuddeback manned the inaugural flight that first day, and 100 years on, a descendent of his is among the 113,200 people who are untiring in their dedication to customer service, care, reliability, efficiency, and – above all – safety.
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.
