TWA First Class Menu, Bob Peak 1976

Founded in 1930, Trans World Airlines (TWA) was a prominent American airline that operated until 2001. Initially, it served as Transcontinental & Western Air, connecting New York City to Los Angeles via various stops. Alongside American, United, and Eastern, TWA was one of the 'Big Four' domestic airlines in the U.S. Howard Hughes took control in 1939, expanding TWA's reach to Europe, the Middle East, and Asia post-World War II, making it the second unofficial flag carrier of the U.S. after Pan Am. In the 1960s, Hughes relinquished control, and TWA's new management acquired Hilton International and Century 21 to diversify its business. Carl Icahn acquired TWA in 1984, taking it private in 1988. However, TWA faced financial struggles, 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 eventually acquired by American Airlines.