Braniff Airways Company Firsts
BRANIFF AIRWAYS, INCORPORATED COMPANY FIRSTS
1926 to Current
June 20, 1928
Braniff, known as Paul R. Braniff, Inc., inaugurates its first scheduled service between Oklahoma City and Tulsa, becoming the first airline serving the Southwest United States
June 12, 1937
Braniff Airways, Incorporated, begins the first service between Chicago and Brownsville, Texas, using 14-passenger Douglas DC-2 twin-engine airliners.
Photo: Braniff Airways Douglas DC-2 B Liner registered as NC13716 is parked on the ramp at Oklahoma City Municipal Airport in 1937. Copyright, Braniff Airways, Incorporated
September 4, 1939
Braniff introduces an apprentice mechanic program, which is the first in the industry
December 17, 1939
The first airborne sales meeting is conducted aboard Braniff’s new 21-passenger Douglas DC-3 Super B Liner.
Photo: Braniff General Manager Charles Edmund Beard, standing rear on right, conducts the first airborne sales meeting at 10,000 feet. Copyright, Braniff Airways, Incorporated
1940
Braniff’s Assistant Treasurer Loyd Eden and other company finance official created and assisted in the development of the Air Transport Association (known as ATA) Clearing House, which expedites the handling of interline accounts for all scheduled air carriers. The Clearing House concept was later adopted by the International Air Transport Association, known as IATA
1940
Ms. Louise Jenkins and Ms. Sissy Jenkins, twin sister, begin flying for Braniff becoming the first twin hostesses in the industry
October 29, 1940
Braniff Vice President Charles Edmund Beard becomes the first chairman of the first Air Traffic Conference of America, which was held at the Roosevelt Hotel in New York City.
Photo: Braniff President Charles Edmund Beard, right, is shown with Vice President James Wescott “Bill” Miller at Braniff Tower, Exchange Park, Dallas on May 1, 1961. Copyright, Braniff Airways, Incorporated
1940
Ms. Beth Haley becomes the first terminal hostess in the aviation industry. She began serving in the lobby at Dallas Love Field
1941
Braniff becomes the first airline to hire and train women to become certified airline mechanics
August 25, 1941
The company inaugurates the first nonstop service between Dallas and Kansas City
1942
Ms. Inez Blancett becomes the first woman traffic manager in the airline industry. Mrs. Blancett was charged with managing Braniff’s offices at Wichita Falls, Texas
May 5, 1946
Braniff inaugurates the first Douglas DC-4 service between San Antonio and Chicago with intermediate stops at Dallas and Kansas City
October 15, 1946
Instant Confirmation of airline reservations via teletype-to-control office becomes the first system of its kind to be adopted by a commercial airline
February 5, 1947
The first use of Douglas DC-4 four-engine airliners in South America is inaugurated during pre-inaugural scouting trip.
Photo: Ms. Jeanne Braniff Terrell, at the top of the boarding ramp, is accompanied by her Mother, Ms. Bess Thurman Braniff, second from right on second level of ramp in hat, (company cofounder Thomas Elmer Braniff has already boarded) for the pre-inaugural trip to South America. Braniff Airways Douglas DC-4 Super B Liner registered as NC88818 takes passengers from Dallas on the first DC-4 to operate in South America. Copyright, Braniff Airways, Incorporated
April 20, 1947
The Instrument Landing System enabled pilots to be guided safely to a landing with Braniff becoming the first US airline to be certified for use of the system. Braniff’s super pilot advance training was credited with the carrier’s first place status. The new system initially allowed pilots to descend as low as 300 feet ceiling minimum but later in the year Braniff was again first to be obtain authorization to descend down to 200 feet with ½ mile visibility. Braniff’s Director of Flight Operations Mr. R. V. Carleton was the guiding force behind Braniff’s early certification, which was acknowledged by the Civil Aviation Agency
June 4, 1948
Braniff inaugurates the first airline service from Texas to Cuba, Central and South America using Douglas DC-6 and Douglas DC-4 Super B Liner aircraft
June 4, 1948
Braniff offers the first Tourist Liner flights aboard Douglas DC-4 four-engine airliners between the US Mainland and Latin America. The new service marks the first time that an air coach service is offered anywhere in the world and the first time that both tourist class flights and First Class flights are offered to South America
July 31, 1948
A chartered Braniff Douglas DC-6 four-engine airliner becomes the first domestic commercial airliner to land with passengers at New York’s new International Airport, known as Idlewild Airport. President Harry S. Truman officially opened the new airport, while his White House staff members and newspaper correspondents flew into the airport on the chartered Braniff DC-6.
Photo: Braniff International Airways Douglas DC-6 El Conquistador registered as N90885 is parked on the ramp at New York’s Idlewild Airport on January 6, 1956. Copyright, Braniff Airways, Incorporated
January 17, 1949
Braniff becomes the first airline certificated by the Civil Aviation Agency to operate Douglas DC-4 flights in to El Alto Airport at La Paz, Bolivia, the world’s highest airport, using Jet Assisted Takeoff, known as JATO, assistance.
Photo: Braniff International Airways Douglas DC-4 El Intercontinental registered as N86573 is departing La Paz El Alto International Airport, Bolivia, in 1950. The JATO system is propelling the big airliner from the high altitude field although extra boost was rarely needed because of the powerful Douglas airliner. Copyright, Braniff Airways, Incorporated
March 8 to 9, 1949
Braniff becomes the first airline to operate nonstop daylight flights between Lima, Peru, and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, which is the longest nonstop flight in the world. The first flight departed Chicago on March 8, and then departed on March 9, from Lima to Rio de Janeiro.
June 3, 1949
Braniff operates the first Douglas DC-4 service equipped with Jet Assisted Takeoff, known as JATO, at La Paz, Bolivia, which is also the first regularly scheduled service with a JATO equipped airliner
August 14, 1949
A demonstration of Jet Assisted Takeoff, known as JATO, is held at Limatambo Airport, Lima, Peru, which was the first demonstrated by a commercial airline in Lima and Peru. The event drew thousands of spectators and well-wishers
March 5, 1950
The first Jet Assisted Takeoff, known as JATO, demonstration is held at Dallas Love Field by Braniff Airways. This JATO demonstration is the first ever presented in the United States using a commercial airliner.
Photo: Braniff Vice President Ray Carrol Shrader, right, pose with Braniff Maintenance personnel that fitted Douglas DC-4 registered as N90883 with its new JATO canisters on March 5, 1950. Copyright, Braniff Airways, Incorporated
1950
Braniff is the first to offer a Courtesy Card, known as a charge-a-plate to its customers to supplement the Universal Air Travel Card
November 1, 1952
Braniff is the first airline to begin flying the 44-passenger Convair 340 twin-engine airliner in regularly scheduled service.
Photo: Touting the new Convair service in the Midwest, this ad from 1953, denotes the gradual retirement of Douglas DC-3 and Douglas DC-4 aircraft from Braniff domestic service. Copyright, Braniff Airways, Incorporated
December 1, 1953
Braniff begins the first direct Air Coach service between Dallas and Chicago, with intermediate stops at Oklahoma City, Wichita and Kansas City using Convair 340 aircraft
April 1954
Ms. Velta Bowlware, Braniff’s longest serving employee, is appointed to assistant corporate secretary. With this appointment, she becomes the second female officer of the airline. Mrs. Bess Thurman Braniff was appointed Vice President of the company in February 1954, becoming the first woman officer of the company
April 15, 1954
Braniff operates the first passenger flight to South America that is equipped with airborne radar as part of a series of experimental evaluation flights as part of a joint project with the US Navy to test the equipment in the commercial airline setting. The first flight with the radar equipped aircraft was Braniff Flight 603 from Dallas to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with intermediate stops at Houston, Miami, Panam City, Panama, the Canal Zone; Lima, Peru and Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Photo: A Braniff Mechanic is demonstrating the installation of the new RCA radar at the Dallas Roanoke Drive Base in February 1957. The radar installation was a direct result of the 1954 trials with the UIS Navy.
April 11, 1955
Braniff is the first airline to install a Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Range, known as VOR, radio navigation aid in South America. The new VOR was installed by Braniff and Collins Radio Company at El Alto Airport in La Paz, Bolivia, which is the world’s highest commercial airport
August 31, 1955
The Company becomes the first airline in the world to adopt an electronic reservations “brain” or computer, which is the first that a user’s teletype circuits are integrated into Teleregister brand electronic equipment. The system joins together all of Braniff’s domestic cities with and electronic reservations system
October 20, 1955
Braniff becomes the first US airline to place firm orders for six new BAC One-11 short haul jetliners
January 1, 1956
For the first time ever, women were allowed into the Press Box at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Texas. Braniff hostesses were allowed into the box to serve hot airline style lunches to the very cold and hungry news reporting personnel
August 15, 1956
Specifying special and durable Formica, Braniff is the first airline to order this unique material for the interiors of its new Douglas DC-7C El Dorado four-engine airliners
October 20, 1956
Braniff becomes the first airline to fly the Douglas DC-7C El Dorado four-engine airliner in regular domestic airline service in the United States. The new aircraft features a cruising speed of 360 miles-per-hour
November 26, 1956
A Braniff Douglas DC-7C El Dorado four-engine airliner sets a commercial airliner record, when it flies from Chicago to Dallas in only 2 hours and 8 minutes compared to the regular flight time of 2 hours and 50 minutes. Captain Mr. A. E. Wedgeworth made the historic flight assisted by First Officer Jim Cameron and Second Officer Mr. V. K. Besserer
February 1, 1957
Braniff Airways inaugurates the first one-stop service between Minneapolis/St. Paul and Dallas via Kansas City
May 8, 1957
The Company operates the first nonstop flight between Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and Miami with the Douglas DC-7C El Dorado airliner during a preinaugural flight around South America. The big four-engine aircraft flew 4,360 miles nonstop in a record 14 and ½ hours and was commanded by Captain Popo Leake and Captain Ted Raines
December 19, 1959
Braniff becomes the first and only airline in the world to fly the Boeing 707-227 El Dorado Super Jet. The Series -227, only built for Braniff, could cruise at 600 miles-per-hour
January 6, 1960
Braniff inaugurates the first service from the Southwest United States to Bogota Colombia, with nonstop flights from Texas to Panama City, Panama, the Canal Zone
January 15, 1960
Braniff opens its first European sales office at London, England. Eighteen years later, Braniff is awarded nonstop service between Dallas/Ft. Worth and London. Copyright, Braniff Airways, Incorporated
February 14, 1960
Another record is set by Braniff for the first time by flying a quick 6 hours and 8 minutes from the US Mainland to Peru. Braniff’s big new Boeing 707-227 El Dorado Super Jet departed from Houston and flew 3211 statute miles to Lima. The record was made during the pre-inaugural jet service flight to South America
March 1, 1960
The first jet service at San Antonio, Texas, is inaugurated by Braniff using its new Boeing 707-227 El Dorado Super Jets
April 1, 1960
Braniff begins the first Boeing 707-227 El Dorado Super Jet service between the US Mainland and Latin America. The service also marks the first jet service between the US Mainland and Central and South America
April 30, 1960
Braniff’s Boeing 707-227 El Dorado Super Jet sets another first by flying from Miami to Buenos Aires, Argentina, in a fast 8 hours and 15 minutes flying time
July 18, 1960
The first commercial airline pure jet service from the US Mainland to Bogota, Colombia, is inaugurated by Braniff International via an interchange service with Eastern Airlines. Eastern crews operated the service between Miami and New York, while Braniff crews flew the segment from Miami to Bogota
November 9, 1960
Braniff inaugurates the first service between the United States and Mexico City
April 17, 1961
Braniff’s Vice President of Operations Mr. R. V. Carleton chairs the world’s first Supersonic Transport, known as SST, held in Montreal, Canada, to formulate plans for the development of the SST. Captain Carleton as head of the IATA Technical Committee was appointed the SST chairmanship.
Photo: Braniff Vice President R. V. Carleton, left, is admiring a concept model of North American’s proposed supersonic transport with Mr. D. B. Myers of North American. Copyright, Braniff Airways, Incorporated
October 13, 1961
The biggest airlift in commercial aviation history is operated by Braniff when 35 chartered Boeing 707-227 flights are flown for Gibson Refrigerator Division. The Braniff jets flew company dealers and their spouses to the annual sales and display convention, which was held in Panama City, Panama and Jamaica
October 30, 1961
Braniff inaugurates the first nonstop cargo service between Tulsa and Newark with Douglas DC-6A aircraft.
Photo: Braniff International Airways Douglas DC-6A Freighter registered as N90886 is being loaded for departure at Newark Airport on inaugural day. Copyright, Braniff Airways, Incorporated
February 1962
Braniff becomes the first airline to take its shareholders on a special 22-day tour around Central and South America. The package tour was created to introduce stakeholders with the Company’s Latin American Division operations and to meet their counterparts in business, banking and agriculture in the countries they visited.
Photo: Braniff Airways shareholders take a moment for a photo at the Government Assembly Building in Buenos Aires, Argentina, during the October 1962 tour. The magnificent Monumento de los Dos Congresos (Monument of the Two Congresses) is located at the Plaza del Congreso was the work of Belgium sculptor Jules Lagae in 1914. Copyright, Braniff Airways, Incorporated
October 15, 1962
Braniff International Airways implemented a new telephone-based Instant Flight Information Service. A local telephone number was provided for passengers to call and receive current flight status information becoming the first system of this type to be used in the Dallas area
April 9, 1963
Braniff is the first airline to install self-starters on its Lockheed L-188 Electra four-engine turboprop fleet making them self-sufficient especially at smaller stations
June 18, 1964
Braniff International Airways inaugurates the first nonstop service by a US certificated carrier between Miami and Bogota, Colombia
October 6, 1964
Braniff’s Assistant Treasurer Loyd Eden introduces a new travel agent ticketing plan to the Airline Transport Association and International Air Transport Association. Over eight years in development, the plan covers all of the free world’s travel agents, which reduces their paperwork to a single report. The new plan became effective in Illinois on October 1, 1964, and by December 1, 1964, an additional 12 states approved the plan and later it became the universal travel agent procedure
January 19, 1965
Operating an interchange with United Airlines, Braniff begins the first all single-jet service between Texas and Portland, Oregon and Seattle/Tacoma, Washington
April 25, 1965
The new BAC One-11 Fastback Twinjet is introduced first by Braniff in the United States. Service is inaugurated on Braniff’s short range routes between St. Louis and Minneapolis/St. Paul; New Orleans and Tulsa and Brownsville and San Antonio.
November 6, 1965
Braniff International’s new dynamic President Harding L. Lawrence sets the pace in the airline industry with the introduction of his new End of the Plain Plane Campaign, which makes headlines across the world because of its revolutionary approach to presenting Braniff to the public. A completely new look for Braniff never before seen in the industry features aircraft in an array of bright solid colors and new uniforms for all public contact employees designed by Haute Couturier Emilio Pucci. A spectacular flyby at Dallas Love Field is conducted on this day to introduce the New Look to the public and press
March 12, 1966
Prince Philip of England visits Braniff Dallas Operations and Maintenance Base to celebrate Braniff’s new jet built by British Aircraft Corporation. This marks the first time a member of the British Royal Family visits Braniff International
June 1, 1966
Braniff inaugurates the first nonstop service between Omaha and St. Louis
June 4, 1966
Braniff President Harding L. Lawrence and Vice President Reginald K. Rex Brack greet movie actress and Dallas resident Ms. Dorothy Malone to open up the first airline Drive-In Ticket facility, which is located in front of Braniff’s Operations and Maintenance Base at Dallas Love Field. Mr. Lawrence assists Ms. Malone, who drove up to purchase the first ticket sold at the new facility
July 5, 1966
Braniff inaugurates the first Boeing 727 jet service at Austin
August 11, 1966
Braniff operates the first nonstop flight from Honolulu to Dallas using a Boeing 707-327C Intercontinental Jet, for a maintenance reposition flight from its Pacific Military Airlift Command operations
September 15, 1966
The first nonstop flight from Tokyo to Dallas is flown by a Braniff Boeing 707-327C Intercontinental Jet for a maintenance reposition flight for the Airline’s Pacific Military Airlift Command operations.
Photo: Braniff President Harding L. Lawrence poses with the flight crew of the first nonstop flight from Tokyo to Love Field. Copyright, Braniff Airways, Incorporated
December 1, 1966
Braniff inaugurates the first BAC One-11 Twinjet service at Wichita, Falls, Texas.
Photo: A Braniff Airways Douglas DC-3 Super B Liner is parked on the ramp at Wichita Falls Municipal Airport on February 13, 1955. Copyright, Braniff Airways, Incorporated
December 2, 1966
The first all-cargo jet service is inaugurated by Braniff from Houston to Dallas and Chicago and Newark
March 2, 1967
The second nonstop flight from Tokyo, Japan, to Dallas Love Field, a distance of 6,700 statute miles is flown by Braniff International in a quick 11 hours and 28 minutes. Braniff President Harding L. Lawrence was on board the historical first flight after he conducted a week-long inspection tour of the Company’s Military Airlift Command operations in the Pacific area. In September 1966, the nonstop flight was made by Braniff pilots flying nonstop from Tokyo to Dallas. Both flights were for maintenance purposes.
Photo: Braniff President Harding L. Lawrence poses with the flight crew of the first nonstop flight from Tokyo to Love Field. Copyright, Braniff Airways, Incorporated
August 21, 1967
The first nonstop jet service is inaugurated by Braniff between both Corpus Christi and Dallas and Omaha and Minneapolis/St. Paul
October 5, 1967
Braniff becomes the first airline to participate in the Newspaper Food Editor Conference. A spectacular Peruvian dinner is served to the nation’s food editors at Chicago’s Drake Hotel.
Photo: Braniff International Executive Chef Willy O. Rossel creates a magnificent display of new Braniff table setups for inflight service. The display was presented to Braniff management at Braniff Tower Exchange Park Headquarters in 1968. Copyright, Braniff Airways, Incorporated
April 1, 1968
Braniff introduces its Time is Money Campaign, which promises passengers that the company will operate on-time, safety permitting. The campaign highlights Braniff’s improved operating efficiencies at all levels of the company. If a flight is late, Braniff pays each passenger $1 Fastbuck, paper or plastic coin, for their inconvenience
June 21, 1968
The Braniff/Eastern Airlines Interchange opens the first through flights between Miami and Denver with nonstop service between the two cities from Denver to Memphis and Memphis to Miami
September 2, 1968
Braniff becomes the first airline with a direct phone link to Chile via Satellite Intelsat II
June 22, 1969
Braniff’s first inflight magazine, International, debuts
August 14, 1969
The first nonstop service between Dallas Love Field and Honolulu, Hawaii, is inaugurated, with the flight origination at Atlanta, Georgia, where inaugural ceremonies were held and then stopped in Dallas, where additional events were held before flying nonstop to Honolulu, where the flight was greeted with fanfare.
Photo: Ms. Dana Dowell, Miss Texas, greets Miss Hawaii Ms. Sheryl Akaka, on arrival of Braniff’s inaugural Boeing 707-327C Intercontinental Jet at Honolulu International Airport. The two exchange symbolic leis to mark the historic arrival. Copyright, Braniff Airways, Incorporated
September 1, 1969
Braniff inaugurates the first nonstop service between Dallas and Hilo, Hawaii, and the first nonstop service to Hawaii from Houston and the first single-stop service from New Orleans and Miami to Hawaii
December 15, 1969
Braniff inaugurates the first nonstop service between Dallas Love Field and Tampa/St. Petersburg
December 15, 1969
Braniff International inaugurates the first nonstop service from San Antonio, Texas, to Washington DC and New York City
December 12, 1969
Braniff International Flight 979, a McDonnell Douglas DC-8-62 Intercontinental Jet is the first aircraft to land on the new 11,000 foot runway at President Stroessner International Airport at Asuncion, Paraguay
December 18, 1969
The first use of voice communication between the US Mainland and South America via satellite is conducted by Braniff International
March 6, 1970
Committed to ensuring a clean environment, Braniff is one of the first airlines to install new smoke reducing equipment on its Boeing 727 trijet fleet. Braniff leads the industry in green initiatives including the first aircraft fuel use and power setting analysis for the best inflight economy and the implementation of a Braniff facility energy conservation program systemwide
April 18, 1970
The first and only monorail for moving passengers from Braniff’s outer parking lot to the Dallas Love Field terminal begins service and is dubbed Jetrail Carpark System. At the Outer Parking Lot Terminal, passengers can park their cars, check luggage and check in for their flights before boarding the above-ground aerial monorail for the 8 minute trip to Braniff’s Terminal of the Future
January 15, 1971
Braniff inaugurates the first Boeing 747 Jumbo Jet service between Dallas Love Field and Honolulu, Hawaii, replacing the company’s Boeing 707-327C Intercontinental Jets, which had been flying the route since it was inaugurated in August 1969. The daily service became the most successful operation of any 747 operator
September 1, 1971
Braniff inaugurates the first nonstop flights between Dallas and Newark
September 19, 1971
The first nonstop flights and the largest single group movement from Oklahoma to Hawaii takes place when the Oklahoma National Guard Association flies Braniff to Honolulu for the organization’s annual convention
Fall 1971
The Company introduces one of the first Fleet Standardization Plans to streamline the efficiency of the Airline by operating only three types of aircraft perfectly suited for a specific area of operation including Boeing 747 for Hawaii, Boeing 727 for Mexico and Domestic and McDonnell Douglas DC-8-62 Intercontinental Jets for Latin America Division
December 1971
Braniff becomes the first airline to offer the unique wide-body interior concept for its Boeing 727 Trijet fleet. The new High Wide and Handsome Wide Body Look Interior offers Braniff passengers greater comfort and convenience and includes a fold down center seat table for use when the seat is not occupied
July 24, 1972
Braniff becomes the first airline to seal off the rear stairways of its Boeing 727 Trijet aircraft. As a result of several hijack and parachute attempts, the stairways could no longer be operated while the aircraft is airborne
June 21, 1973
The first landing of a scheduled 747 at Wichita, Kansas, is Braniff’s Boeing 747-127 registered as N601BN, arriving for a charter to Honolulu
July 2, 1973
Braniff begins the first nonstop jet service between Memphis and Oklahoma City
July 15, 1973
The first nonstop jet service between Dallas/Ft. Worth and Brownsville is inaugurated by Braniff International
September 20, 1973
Braniff arranges for Concorde SST to visit the United States and the new Dallas/Ft. Worth Regional airport for the first time for the grand opening of the new massive airport
November 2, 1973
The magnificent Flying Art of Master Artist Alexander Calder is introduced to the world when the Braniff McDonnell Douglas DC-8-62 Intercontinental Jet he painted a spectacular Flying Colors of South America design on to the exterior of the aircraft begins regularly scheduled service between the US Mainland and South America. The design was commissioned to commemorate 25 years of Braniff service to Central and South America
March 19, 1974
Braniff International hired the Airline's first female pilot crew member. Ms. Sandra "Sandy" Saliba Simmons was chosen as Braniff's first female pilot to command the Flight Engineer's panel on board a company Boeing 727 Trijet
April 1, 1974
The first single-plane service between Denver and Ft. Lauderdale is inaugurated by Braniff International
June 1, 1974
Braniff International inaugurates the first through-plane service between the Southwest United States and both Anchorage and Fairbanks, Alaska, via the Braniff/Alaska Airlines interchange service
1975
Braniff becomes the first airline to abandon the industry standard of “market share and load factors” concept and replace it with a primary emphasis of balancing capacity with demand. Braniff is expert at utilizing this profit generating operating concept
November 17, 1975
Braniff International introduces its second jet painted with a unique Alexander Calder design. Boeing 727-291 registered as N408BN is painted in a colorful red, blue and white flowing design to commemorate the 200th birthday of the United States. The Braniff Calder Bicentennial jet was christened by First Lady Betty Ford in Washington DC
February 4, 1976
The first nonstop service between Washington DC and Panama City, Panama, the Canal Zone, is inaugurated by Braniff International.
Photo: Braniff’s elegant City Ticket Office in downtown Panama City, Republic of Panama, in 1966. Copyright, Braniff Airways, Incorporated
October 31, 1976
Braniff inaugurates the first single-plane service between Nashville and Denver
February 20, 1977
A Salute to Mexico, the last artwork completed by Master Artist Alexander Calder, is unveiled by his wife Louisa Calder and the First Lady of Mexico Senorita Carmen Romando de Lopez Portillo, during a weekend event dubbed Three Evening’s to Remember. This spectacular party was held to introduce the world to Braniff’s new Elegance Campaign, which is the Airline’s third design reinvention since 1965, and to introduce the new public contact employee uniforms designed by Haute Couturier Halston
March 1, 1977
Braniff International installs the first self-serve computerized automated ticket kiosk at Dallas/Ft. Worth and Houston. The new Branimatic System, designed by Braniff Staff Vice President Computer Services Jim Welling, enables Braniff passengers who purchased tickets at the airport to save considerable amounts of time by not having to stand in regular ticket counter queues
March 3, 1977
Braniff becomes the first US airline to sign a pilot contract to operate Concorde SST aircraft in the United States under a highly lucrative agreement to the company with both British Airways and Air France
September 15, 1977
Braniff inaugurates the first nonstop jet service between Houston and Portland
December 8, 1977
The first nonstop service from Los Angeles to Santiago, Chile, is inaugurated by Braniff International
December 31, 1977
Braniff reports that it has logged 75,182,202,000 Revenue Passenger Miles and has boarded 112,822,000 originating passengers since it began flying in 1928
March 18, 1978
Braniff becomes the first airline to inaugurate nonstop Boeing 747 service from Dallas/Ft. Worth to London, England. The flights operate daily with only one aircraft similar to Braniff’s nonstop service from DFW to Honolulu. The company operates both flights with exacting precision and reliability against the negative forecasts of industry analysts.
Photo: An early printed brochure announcing the new nonstop Braniff 747 service to London Gatwick Airport. The original inauguration of service date was March 1, 1978. However, because of Braniff’s fight for low fares over the route with the British Government, the matter was not settled until mid-March 1978. Copyright, Braniff Airways, Incorporated
April 30, 1978
The first thru-plane service between Portland and Seattle/Tacoma and Miami is inaugurated by Braniff
June 5, 1978
Braniff inaugurates a second nonstop flight between Los Angeles and Santiago, Chile, which is the longest flight in the Western Hemisphere.
Photo: Braniff International McDonnell Douglas DC-8-62 Intercontinental Jet registered as N1809E is arriving at Los Angeles International Airport in October 1980. Copyright, Ellis M. Chernoff
June 20, 1978
The Company marks its 50th of year of service as one of the world’s leading air carriers and possessing a list of firsts envied by the industry.
Photo: Braniff International’s 50th Anniversary Service Highlights for June 1978. Copyright, Braniff Airways, Incorporated
December 4, 1978
Braniff opens the spectacular new Braniff Place World Headquarters Complex on the west side of Dallas/Ft. Worth Regional Airport. The facility is the first employee work and play campus ever used by an airline. Braniff Place houses all of the Company’s key operations and allows the Airline to close several buildings in the Dallas area, saving significantly on leasing costs. Braniff’s industry leading employee work/play campus style was later adopted by Apple and Google.
January 12, 1979
Braniff becomes the first and only US airline to operate Concorde SST aircraft in the United States and in the world operating via an interchange with British Airways and Air France. Concorde flights operate nonstop between Dallas/Ft. Worth and Washington Dulles Airport commanded by Braniff crews and then continue to either London Heathrow Airport, commanded by British Airways crews, or Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, commanded by Air France crews
April 1, 1979
For the first time in the company’s 51-year history, Braniff reports record traffic for the month of March 1979. The Airline reported that it flew an unprecedented 1-billion plus Revenue Passenger Miles during any one-month period
April 2, 1979
Braniff introduces the revolutionary Airpass travel program designed to introduce certain international travelers to the Airline’s expansive Domestic US route system. The Airpass, the first of its kind, enabled passengers traveling from Britain, Europe, the Pacific/Asia and The Far East to the United States, to enjoy 30 days of unlimited travel on Braniff within the Continental United States for a flat rate fare of $349 for Coach Travel and $399 for First Class travel
June 1, 1979
Braniff International becomes the first airline to inaugurate nonstop Boeing 747 Jumbo Jet service from Dallas/Ft. Worth to Paris, France; Frankfurt, Germany; Amsterdam, The Netherlands and Brussels Belgium
November 30, 1980
Braniff is the first US airline to offer nonstop service from Dallas/Ft. Worth to Toronto and Montreal, in Canada
February 1, 1981
Braniff is the first airline to receive FAA certification for the use of Phase II Boeing 747 pilot simulator program
May 31, 1981
The first airborne wedding ceremony is held aboard a Braniff International Boeing 747 flying from Dallas/Ft. Worth to London