Los Angeles Airport United Airlines DC-4 Mainliner Airplane Real Photo Postcard
The Douglas DC-4, initially conceived as a military transport (C-54 Skymaster) during World War II, rapidly transitioned to civilian service post-war, becoming a cornerstone of commercial aviation. Its robust four-engine design provided unprecedented range and passenger capacity, allowing major carriers like United Air Lines to expand transcontinental routes. United branded these aircraft "Mainliners," signifying their role on key routes and symbolizing the cutting edge of air travel in the immediate post-war period.
The scene at Los Angeles Municipal Airport, the predecessor to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), highlights its emerging role as a pivotal West Coast aviation hub in the late 1940s or early 1950s. The arrival of large aircraft like the DC-4 facilitated the shift of long-distance travel from rail to air, making air transport more accessible for a growing number of passengers and significantly contributing to the economic and cultural development of metropolitan areas across the United States.
The scene at Los Angeles Municipal Airport, the predecessor to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), highlights its emerging role as a pivotal West Coast aviation hub in the late 1940s or early 1950s. The arrival of large aircraft like the DC-4 facilitated the shift of long-distance travel from rail to air, making air transport more accessible for a growing number of passengers and significantly contributing to the economic and cultural development of metropolitan areas across the United States.
