BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE FLYING STORE
Roughly a century of commercial flight has seen many iconic brands, figures, and aircraft come and go. For veteran pilots and aficionados of aviation history, the FLYING Store’s “Gone But Not Forgotten” collection is our way of connecting with and honoring the industry players who you might not see in the skies anymore but whose legacy left a lasting impression on aviation.
Some of our favorite gifts feature Braniff International Airways, a once-dominant player in the American airline industry.
Founded in 1930 by brothers Thomas and Paul Braniff, the airline initially operated small flights within the Midwest. Over the decades, Braniff grew into one of the most recognizable brands in aviation, renowned for its groundbreaking approach to design, marketing, and customer experience. Although the airline ceased operations in 1982, its bold aesthetics continue to have an effect on how airlines present their image.
Braniff started modestly, focusing on routes connecting small cities. By the 1950s, the airline expanded its network throughout the United States and internationally to South America. Its fleet modernization included the acquisition of DC-6s, Boeing 707s, and later, Concorde supersonic jets in partnership with British Airways and Air France.
The company’s real turning point came in the 1960s, when Braniff reimagined what an airline could be. Under the leadership of CEO Harding Lawrence, the carrier pursued a strategy of differentiation through style and innovation. This was a bold move in an industry that often prioritized functionality over flair.
In 1965, Braniff collaborated with legendary designer Alexander Girard and fashion icon Emilio Pucci to launch the “End of the Plain Plane” campaign. Girard introduced a vibrant color palette to Braniff’s aircraft, transforming them into flying works of art with eye-catching, bold liveries.
Likewise, Pucci designed flamboyant uniforms for flight attendants, which included bold patterns, chic capes, and even space-inspired “bubble helmets”—imagery that is to this day very intrinsically tied to the styles of the late ’60s and early ’70s.
Braniff planes became symbols of mid-century modern design, and its marketing efforts, including collaborations with celebrities like Salvador Dalí, positioned the airline as a trendsetter.
Braniff also made headlines as one of the few airlines to operate Concorde supersonic flights in the 1970s. Although these routes were short-lived due to regulatory and economic challenges associated with the failure of the Concorde, they cemented Braniff’s reputation for pushing boundaries.
However, the carrier’s bold strategy also carried financial risks. High operating costs, aggressive expansion, and the deregulation of the airline industry in 1978 strained Braniff’s finances. The company filed for bankruptcy in 1982 and ceased operations, marking the end of an era.
Despite its demise, Braniff’s influence endures. Aviation enthusiasts and historians often celebrate the airline for its daring vision and artistic contributions to the industry. Its innovative use of branding, design, and customer experience set new standards that many modern carriers have sought to emulate, including Southwest Airlines and others.
Braniff also lives on as a cultural icon. Memorabilia from its heyday, such as vintage advertisements, uniforms, and models of its colorful planes, remain highly collectible. In recent years, there have even been efforts to revive the Braniff brand.
Although Braniff aircraft are no longer in the skies, you can keep a piece of aviation history on your desk or in your closet with the FLYING Store’s “Gone But Not Forgotten” gift selection.
The post The Legacy of Braniff International Airways appeared first on FLYING Magazine.
