Western Airlines 1956 Pin

Founded in 1925, Western Airlines was in a tough spot after WWII ended. The airline lacked the financial resources that other big airlines had, but still needed to grow to compete. Rather than chase the competition, they decided to set the bar sky-high. Western introduced pressurized cabins in 1954 and passengers were catered to with filet mignon and seafood, cigars, perfume, and orchids, and even champagne toasts. In 1956 Western added their official “VIB” (very important bird) named Wally, as the airline’s mascot. Wally helped redefine the all first-class in-flight experience and reminded consumers that Western was a premium airline and truly "the only way to fly."