Come Fly with Me: The Rise and Fall of Trans World Airlines

Come Fly with Me: The Story of TWA and Its Predecessors is the only comprehensive history of the airline, tracing its origins in the 1920s to the twenty-first century and exploring how three influential personalities shaped its fate.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 02 November 2023
Publisher: Missouri Historical Society Press

The only comprehensive history of TWA and its predecessors is a captivating tale that recounts how three larger-than-life personalities—Charles Lindbergh, Howard Hughes, and Carl Icahn—shaped the history of Trans World Airlines (TWA) and determined its fate. This book traces the airline's origins in the 1920s to the twenty-first century, using unprecedented access to the entire TWA corporate archives and interviewing key business leaders. It is a compelling tale of a corporation, an industry, and an era that has deep roots in Kansas City and St. Louis, Missouri.

Come Fly with Me is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of aviation, business, or American culture. It provides a detailed and insightful look at the challenges and triumphs of TWA, as well as the impact it had on the world. The authors have done an excellent job of weaving together the various threads of the story, making it a compelling and engaging read.

One of the key themes of the book is the role of innovation in the airline industry. TWA was one of the first airlines to introduce jet travel, and it was also a pioneer in other areas such as customer service and marketing. However, the company's success was not without its challenges. In the 1970s, TWA faced significant financial difficulties, and it was eventually acquired by American Airlines.

The acquisition by American Airlines was a significant turning point for TWA. While the company continued to operate as a separate entity, it was subject to the same corporate policies and practices as American Airlines. This led to a decline in service quality and a loss of market share. However, TWA's employees remained committed to the company, and they worked tirelessly to improve the airline's performance.

One of the most significant achievements of TWA during this period was the development of the Boeing 747. The 747 was a revolutionary aircraft that revolutionized air travel, and it was the first commercial aircraft to fly non-stop across the Atlantic Ocean. TWA was the first airline to operate the 747, and it quickly became a symbol of American aviation.

However, the 747 also had its challenges. The aircraft was expensive to operate, and it was prone to mechanical problems. TWA faced several accidents and incidents, including the infamous "Miracle on the Hudson" in 2009. Despite these challenges, TWA continued to operate the 747, and it remained a popular choice for travelers.

In addition to the 747, TWA also made significant contributions to the aviation industry in other areas. The company was a pioneer in the use of computerized reservation systems, and it was one of the first airlines to offer frequent flyer programs. TWA also had a strong presence in the international market, and it operated flights to many destinations around the world.

However, TWA's success was not without its consequences. The airline's reliance on jet travel led to a decline in passenger traffic, and it was forced to cut back on its routes and services. This led to job losses and a decline in the quality of life for many employees.

In the 1990s, TWA faced even more challenges. The airline was hit by the economic downturn, and it was forced to file for bankruptcy. This led to the sale of the company to American Airlines, which was then merged with US Airways.

Despite its challenges, TWA has left a lasting legacy in the aviation industry. The company's commitment to innovation and customer service has inspired many other airlines, and its legacy continues to be felt today. The Boeing 747 is still in operation, and it is a symbol of American aviation. TWA's employees have also left a lasting impression on the industry, and many of them have gone on to work for other airlines.

In conclusion, The Only Comprehensive History of TWA and its Predecessors is a captivating tale that recounts how three larger-than-life personalities—Charles Lindbergh, Howard Hughes, and Carl Icahn—shaped the history of Trans World Airlines (TWA) and determined its fate. The book provides a detailed and insightful look at the challenges and triumphs of TWA, as well as the impact it had on the world. The authors have done an excellent job of weaving together the various threads of the story, making it a compelling and engaging read. Whether you are interested in the history of aviation, business, or American culture, The Only Comprehensive History of TWA and its Predecessors is a must-read.

Weight: 618g
Dimension: 151 x 228 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9798985571639