Eastern Airlines during World War II – May 20, 2011

Eastern Airlines during World War II

During World War II, demand for military aviation equipment was on the rise because most of it was not produced in the United States. Still, with the help of Eddie Rickenbacker, Eastern Air Lines was able to deliver aircraft and personnel for the war effort in the United States. Rickenbacker wholly supported the war effort as a civilian and he personally pledged Eastern Airlines equipment and personnel to be used for the war effort.

The airline coordinated the purchase of additional international routes, and even acquired some of the competition. This trend continued throughout the 1940s and even more routes were opened during and after the war.

In 1942, Rickenbacker had received a letter of authorization from Henry L. Stimson, U.S. Secretary of War to visit England on an official war mission and he proceeded to make recommendations for better war operations. During the war effort, Rickenbacker had added the Douglas DC-4, Douglas DC-6 and the Douglas DC-7, one of the most advanced four-engine planes of its day, to the fleet.

World War II did stimulate growth of the airline industry in several ways. It was during this time that most of the airlines had stopped serving primarily as postal mail carriers and had shifted their focus to developing more routes and expanding operations. Many of the major airlines in Allied countries were also now free of lease contracts to the military, which meant that they could focus their efforts on building civilian air craft. Demand for pressurized planes was on the rise, and competition between the “Big Four” and other major airlines picked up the pace.

A very interesting ad above, from 1945, best says what everyone in our country was thinking. Welcome home to all who served and thank you for your service; however, it is time to get back to the business of business.

These changes during World War II eventually led to a period that is known as the Jet Age and we will discuss how Eastern adapted to the new technology in the upcoming articles.

Next week we continue the series on Eastern Airlines and I will let the ads of the time tell the story. Until then take care and fly safe.

Robert Novell
May 20, 2011