HISTORY GUEST Braniff
6
7
8
The Dallas-based carrier created the first predecessor to today ’ s eponymous logo jets . In 1972 , renowned artist Alexander Calder was persuaded to paint a full-size McDonnell Douglas DC-8 , which became the world ’ s first flying canvas with its Flying Colors of South America . The Braniff name was completely absent , and the artist ’ s signature was applied to just one place on the fuselage , making the airplane a true piece of flying art . In 1975 , Calder followed this up with a 727 celebrating America ’ s 1976 Bicentennial entitled Flying Colors of The United States .
Never one to be complacent , the pacesetting carrier introduced two revised vibrant liveries and brand images that came online in 1971 and 1977 , along with fashion designer Halston ’ s line of easy-to-wear-and-care ground and flight personnel uniforms and leather seats — then unheard of ! The company built an ahead-of-its-time , state-ofthe-art new corporate campus ,
6 Braniff International Boeing 747-130 registered as N610BN was the first jumbo jet painted in the new 1978 orange ultra color scheme
7 Elegant wafer bars created by Braniff executive chef Willy O . Rossel were served at a Braniff International event
8 Grace Hula Dance Company of Dallas , Texas , provided classic Braniff entertainment at a company event . // CHRIS SLOAN
www . airwaysmag . com AIRWAYS MAGAZINE JULY 2024 69