TWA First Class Menu, Bob Peak 1976

Founded in 1930, Trans World Airlines (TWA) was a prominent U.S. airline that operated until 2001. Initially, it served as Transcontinental & Western Air, connecting New York City to Los Angeles via various cities. Alongside American, United, and Eastern, TWA was one of the 'Big Four' domestic airlines. Howard Hughes took control in 1939, expanding TWA post-World War II to serve Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, making it the U.S.'s second unofficial flag carrier after Pan Am. Hughes later relinquished control, and TWA's new management acquired Hilton International and Century 21 to diversify its business. In 1984, Carl Icahn took over TWA, privatizing it in 1988. Debt-ridden, TWA sold its London routes, underwent Chapter 11 restructuring in 1992 and 1995, and was further impacted by the TWA Flight 800 explosion in 1996. In 2001, TWA filed for its final bankruptcy and was acquired by American Airlines.