Description: Western Airlines inaugurated the first prop-jet service on the West Coast, using Lockheed Electra turbo-prop aircraft on August 1, 1959. The service was inaugurated without much publicity, and many collectors missed the first flights. Although the points listed below received official cachets inscribed AM-13, the flights actually operated over Western’s regular Air Mail Route 63. This cover was carried on the inaugural Western Airlines flight from Seattle, Washington to Los Angeles, California (where it was backstamped) and is listed in the Jet Age Flights Section of The American Air Mail Catalogue as J-168.The Lockheed L-188 Electra is an American turboprop airliner built by Lockheed. First flown in 1957, it was the first large turboprop airliner built in the United States. Initial sales were good, but after two fatal crashes that led to expensive modifications to fix a design defect, no more were ordered. With its unique high power-to-weight ratio, huge propellers and very short wings (resulting in the majority of the wingspan being enveloped in propwash), large Fowler flaps which significantly increased effective wing area when extended, and four-engined design, the airplane had airfield performance capabilities unmatched by many jet transport aircraft even today—particularly on short runways and high field elevations. On September 9, 1986, the directors of Western Airlines and Delta Air Lines approved an $860 million purchase of Western Airlines by Delta Airlines. On October 3, 1986 the Justice Department’s antitrust division announced that it would not oppose the acquisition. On October 23, 1986 the Department of Transportation gave tentative approval to the merger. Final government approval was made on December 12, 1986 whereupon Delta Airlines completed its acquisition of Western Airlines, making Western Airlines a wholly owned subsidiary of the Atlanta-based carrier. The carriers continued operating as separate airlines until April 1, 1987, when Western Airlines’ operations were combined with Delta Airlines’ operations. Western Airlines, which had commenced operations in 1926, ceased to exist as of April 1, 1987.
Price: 2 USD
Location: Cranford, New Jersey
End Time: 2024-11-16T18:30:18.000Z
Shipping Cost: 1.35 USD
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Item Specifics
Restocking Fee: No
Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 14 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Type: Aviation History
Place of Origin: United States
Quality: First Flight Cover
Event: First Flight
Grade: Ungraded
Topic: Postal History
Certification: Uncertified
