The founding member of the Star Alliance, United Airlines need no introduction. However, from its formation to the present-day, the timeline of United Airlines carries many interesting episodes.
As you read this article, it will reveal 20 such riveting facts about the world’s third-largest air carrier. See if you knew any of the below?
Let’s begin:
1. Airlines Origins: United and Boeing are one Family!
Did you know that United Airlines came out of Boeing? Yes, the aircraft manufacturer!
Origin
The founders of the company, William Boeing and George Conrad Westervelt invented a seaplane named Boeing Model 1.
After successfully providing the US Navy with 50 planes, they eventually moved to commercial aircraft.
With time the business expanded operations. Airmail service was one of them. Boeing eventually started a passenger service that is now called United Airlines.
Did you know?
- The United Airlines and Boeing partnership are over 90 years old!
- In 1933, US passengers flew on the fastest flight across the country.
- United Airlines Newark to San Francisco flight transferred people for the first time ever without changing a flight or an overnight stop. No wonder United Airlines’ direct flights are seamless!
2. Earliest Air Hostess: The First Female Flight Attendant was a United Airlines Employee!
Ellen Church became the first woman to serve passengers on board. Although a common sight today, but it was not so in the year 1930!
On her suggestion, United Airlines began hiring female flight attendants.
Did you know that in the 30s, the flight attendant was one of the very few jobs permitted for women?
Therefore, even today you shall see that women flight attendants outnumber males.
Cool Trivia
- Some of the earliest United Airlines female flight attendants wore green colored outfits that included berets, and capes.
- United Airlines’ assistance services inspired other airlines.
- The first flight attendant union formed in the year 1940 by United Airlines.
- This led to a check on sexist and unfair work practices such as a limitation on marriage, and so on.
- Moreover, the longest-serving flight attendant ever, Ron Akana served for 63 years for United Airlines.
3. First Meals Served: United Airlines came up with the First Commercial Flight Kitchen
In the mid-thirties, United Airlines innovated the flight kitchen in the history of commercial aviation.
United Airlines made it possible for passengers to enjoy a hot meal on board. After the airline installed the first kitchen onboard, other airlines soon followed.
This was a huge transformation in commercial aviation history. Airline meals add hospitality and value to the flight experience.
Did you know?
- The first meals served on a commercial flight were a choice of fried chicken or scrambled eggs.
- United Airlines Meals have come a long way since then! Just check out United Airlines’ first-class meals.
- United Airlines offers complimentary meals on several routes. Some of them include flights between the US and Colombia / Argentina / Africa / China / Australia / Tahiti / Mexico.
- If you book United Airlines business class seats or fly first-class, you will get some of the finest aerial meals ever.
4. First Flight Scientists: The United Airlines Set Up a ‘Flight Laboratory’ to Improve Flight Experience
Seems like United Airlines has a knack for pioneering! For the first time, researchers could fly and analyze the environment firsthand, thanks to the airline.
They would then suggest improvements in in-flight technology and services.
The researchers developed a precursor to the flight data recorder. It was the ‘flight analyzer.’
Moreover, they also made wing and propeller de-icers.
Also, United Airlines became the first airline to use computers to plan the path for a flight.
Even today the company uses technology to serve the passengers in the best way. United Airlines app for Android and iOS is one such example.
You can score great offers, and stay in touch with the United Airlines travel alerts.
Moreover, Continental came up with the first airline progressive maintenance program in 1959.
It enabled airlines to fly 707 aircraft fleet for up to 16 hours a day for 7 days in a week.
Cool Trivia
- The lab was so sophisticated that it led the researchers to develop the first instrument landing system and weather radar!
- United Airlines was the first airline to introduce flight simulators to train pilots in 1954!
- The company would use visual, sound and movement first time in commercial flight history.
- The company purchased four pieces at a cost of $ 3 million.
5. In-flight Entertainment: United Airlines Onboard Entertainment History is really Rich!
United Airlines’ facilities are amongst the best in the market. However, it is nothing new to the air carrier.
Nowadays, United Airlines entertainment options are ample. Long-haul flights are as comfortable as they can be.
Moreover, the company offers personal device entertainment. It means you can stream for free using your own personal device.
You can choose from the latest movies, music, TV shows, and more. Also, ‘DIRECTV’ gives you access to over 100 channels.
Further, the airlines have over 50 United Club lounge locations in about 32 worldwide locations.
Members can chill and have complimentary drinks, beverages, snacks, and so on.
Also, you may avail of business amenities such as Wi-Fi, workstations, and wireless printing.
Did you know?
- The mainliner became the first inflight magazine to be produced for a single airline, i.e. United Airlines.
- United Airlines via Continental also became the first air carrier to introduce live television. The aircraft 707 had an inflight lounge.
- Here, passengers could get along over a glass of champagne and watch television. It was a milestone in the onboard entertainment history.
- Today, United Airlines’ private screening offers countless choices to passengers.
6. Comprehensive Route Network: United Airlines has one the largest Air Travel Route Network
United Airlines is the third-largest airline in the world. It serves hundreds of destinations across the world.
This includes 358 airports! The airline operates to about 238 domestic destinations and about 120 international destinations.
The total number of United Airlines flights that depart each day is 4900! United Airlines USA hubs include cities such as Chicago, Los Angeles, Denver, Houston, Newark, Washington DC, and San Francisco. The Chicago O’Hare being the largest of them all.
Perhaps credit also goes to the origin of the air carrier. As stated before, that initially, the company started out as a mail carrier, thus, the widespread connectivity.
Even today it is one of the busiest flight carriers in the US and the world. Hence, the company enjoys a majority of market share in the country.
Cool Trivia
- United Airlines became the first airline to fly to all states of the United States of America.
- This came in as a result of multiple new flight routes including Wyoming to Mississippi flights.
7. World’s Largest Global Airline Alliance: United Air Lines is the Founding Member of the Star Alliance
United Airlines is the founding member of the Star Alliance. Okay, you may be aware of this one, but it is extremely important to mention.
Further, other founding members from three different continents included Lufthansa, Air Canada, Scandinavian Airlines, and Thai Airways.
The first alliance took place through the years 1997-1999.
The aim of the alliance was to take passengers to every major city across the world.
Currently, there are 26 full members with an addition of 40 non-voting members.
Did you know?
- The five-pointed star in the logo represents the five founding members of the Alliance.
- The Star Alliance gives you access to over 1000 lounges, and other benefits to make your flight experience comfortable and luxurious.
8. Leading Loyalty Program: United Airlines’ MileagePlus Is One of the Most Rewarding Frequent Flyers Program
MileagePlus offers great value to its customers. The airline has a plethora of credit cards, retail, and travel partners.
Also, members get numerous elite travel benefits. Some of them are ‘Premier Access’ to airport services, access to merchandise redemption programs, and so on.
United Airlines offer more premium-cabin flat-bed seats than the rest of the airlines in North America.
Also, the airlines offer complimentary entertainment options at every seat.
Did you know?
- United Airlines won the title of ‘best frequent flyer program bonus program’ for fifteen years in a row by Global Travelers magazine!
9. Environment Conscious: United Airlines is the First US Carrier to Use Biofuel
United Airlines is perhaps the most environment-friendly air carrier.
It is not only the first US airline to use biofuel, but has taken many other steps to preserve the environment.
For instance, it is also the first American airline to repurpose items to donate hygiene products to the needy.
The airline also replaced items as plastic stirring sticks and cocktail pick with 100% bamboo-made products.
Moreover, nearly 40% of the United Airlines fleet uses electrically powered alternatives for ground equipment.
So, these were 9 interesting facts about the world’s leading airline, United Airlines.
It has made tremendous contributions to the aviation industry. How did you find the information in the article?
