Howard Hughes' Airline: An Informal History of TWA

by Robert J. Serling

Flying in the face of adversity… Howard Hughes was known during his lifetime as one of the most financially successful individuals in the world. Funded by his considerable wealth, he formed the Hughes Aircraft Company in 1932 and spent the remainder of the decade setting multiple world air speed records. The enigma that was Howard Hughes and the saga of the mighty airline he ruled ruthlessly for two decades are combined in this unique corporate history that reads like a thrilling work of aviation fiction. Movie stars and moguls; airline chieftains and staff, from pilots to skycaps — these are the colourful characters that grace the pages of this anecdote-filled book that pulls no punches. In the course of researching the TWA story, author Robert J Serling interviewed more than one hundred individuals, many of whom knew Hughes personally. The result – a portrayal of the eccentric billionaire that has never been seen before. This is the first full account of the great air carrier that the moody, mysterious Hughes first saved from extinction and then nearly destroyed in the process… Praise for Robert J Serling ‘Aviation buffs will revel in this thoroughgoing chronicle’ – Kirkus Robert J Serling (1918-2010) wrote aviation fiction, as well as some non-fiction, his whole adult life and received the 1988 Lauren D. Lyman Award for distinguished achievement in the field of aviation and aerospace journalism. Formerly residents of Washington, D.C., he and his wife moved to Tucson, Arizona. He passed away in 2010 at the age of 92.

Genres: Aviation, Nonfiction, History, Business

472 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 1983

Reviews

[W.A. McDonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun ride!

One of the reviews for this book complained that this book isn't finished. It ends before TWA did. That doesn't matter, many airlines suffered mergers or liquidation leading up to and following 9/11. This.book takes us from the early days of an industry struggling to find itself well into the jet age.

Reading this book makes me regret my decision many years ago to keep piloting as a hobby. Seems the airline industry would have been a fun world to make a living in. Granted it would have been post deregulation, but still.

The author does a good job of not casting Hughes' in a psychotic light as some authors have done. The man was a genius, but had his quirks. That's how Sterling portrays him.

Again, fun read!

[William O. Robertson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is an interesting look at the beginnings of civil air transportation, to airline deregulation and eventually to the circumstances which led to the the demise of Trans World Airlines. As an aviation buff, the book was a little slow at first, but I soon realized some of what appeared to be extraneous information was needed to set the stage for how Howard Hughes became associated with one the of premier airlines of history, although sadly now defunct.

[Stephen A. Jestis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read

I liked the way the book personalizes the day to day operations of St. Louis’ once beloved airline. We sure miss you TWA. I originally became interested because of Howard Hughes’s involvement. It’s even more interesting what happened after he left. Sadly, TWA was not able to fend off Carl Icahn as they did Hughes. Hughes loved his airline. To Icahn, it was just another company to be plucked cleaner than a roasted chicken. Alas, where have all the heroes gone?

[Sidenseen · Rating 5 out of 5]

For anyone interested in the history of Air Travel, this was an excellent account in the eyes of the men and woman on the front lines. I really enjoyed the flow of the book through the different time periods and the way the book highlights the individual personalities of each TWA president. Highly recommend this book

[Matt Chambers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

A really interesting tale of this once great airline. It is full of fascinating stories. Also, provides a good insight into the leadership and personality of Howard Hughes. It is well written but sadly stops in 1983.

[Gary Goodson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good!

I learned a lot about airlines and their operations both pro and con. Didn't know it was so cutthroat. Hughes was a pain in the arsenal for TWA. I liked the behind the scenes information and results having to cater to Howard Hughes.

[Simonas · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is not an easy read. The book focuses on very early days of TWA. It is not that much about business results or decisions, but more focuses on operational side and emotions of people inside the airline.

[Esteban Stipnieks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting history of the other Chic International carrier of my childhood. Surprising in some ways.

[Ellison · Rating 5 out of 5]

this recounts the history of the airline twa and the time howard owned it.