Polynesian Travel – United Airlines – Hawaii – Postcard Unposted #3

United Airlines was founded in 1931 as part of United Aircraft and Transport Corporation, a holding company that consolidated several airlines including Varney Air Lines, and became an independent entity in 1934 after the parent company was forced to split due to the Air Mail scandal. The airline was a pioneer in domestic passenger service, developing the "Main Line" coast-to-coast route and its fleet of "Mainliners". United expanded internationally, notably with service to Hawaii in 1947 and the Pacific in the 1980s, and later became a major global carrier. Key moments include its 1961 merger with Capital Airlines, its role as a founding member of the Star Alliance in 1997, its 2008 merger with Continental Airlines, and its ongoing international expansion.