United's 1970s era "Friend Ship" livery made a splash at Chicago O'Hare on Wednesday. Source: United
More than 85,000 United Airlines staff and retirees joined in the airline’s 85th birthday celebrations on Wednesday.
While there were no candles to mark the occasion (airlines have enough fire hazards to worry about after all), the icing on the cake for staff was the unveiling of a United A320 in freshly painted retro colours at Chicago O’hare airport.
Source: United
The jet’s “Friend Ship” paint scheme harks back to the 1970s and was chosen by employees from a range of historical liveries.
United began life as a humble Swallow biplane on April 6, 1926, delivering airmail. Owner, Walter Varney saw a business opportunity and turned it into “Varney Air Service” in the same year, after securing an airmail contract.
Varney later sold the business to United Aircraft and Transport, who changed the name to United Air Lines in 1933.
A year later, Varney and his business partner, Louise Mueller founded “Varney Speed Lines”, which was sold and renamed Continental Airlines in 1937.
Last year, United and Continental officially merged to become the world’s biggest carrier: United-Continental.
United’s retro jet is currently doing a whistle-stop tour of United and Continental’s major hub airports, including Denver International, San Francisco International, and Houston’s Bush Intercontinental Airport.
Sept 21, 2011
I work at PHX (Sky Harbor Intl airport) as a contractor for the baggage handling system servicing several airlines including AA/CO.
First saw this retro-painted aircraft a few days ago and I thought it was AMAZING!!! Reading more on the history of the two airlines, I was even more impressed. I don’t know how long this aircraft will be stationed at our hub, but I love it and hope it stays awhile or more aircraft are painted similarly. That said, I also like the new design of the “regular” jets, painted with the United logo on the fuselage and the Continental graphics on the tail.
Nice work! 85 years later, & still operating! I hope all goes well with the merger.