HISTORY GUEST
happened to Braniff during deregulation . In particular , he wants to correct what , in his view , is the misconception that Harding Lawrence ’ s zealous overexpansion led to BI ’ s demise . “ There ’ s a lot of stories in there that need to be told ,” he says . “ Particularly , I want to correct the wrongs that have been there so the employees don ’ t think badly of their company .”
Cass met Lawrence in person only once , at an Oklahoma Aviation Hall of Fame awards induction , just before he died in 2002 , but they spoke and corresponded with each other often , beginning in 1990 , for 10 years . “ He asked me at the time , ‘ You know , if there ’ s anything you could ever do to right the record , I would really appreciate that .’ So I guess I ’ m writing that record for him and his request .”
I can attest that Cass ’ s bombshell explanations completely turn the generally accepted theories , like the ones in John Nance ’ s book , on their head .
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The foundation hosts wellattended annual conferences and conventions , employee reunions , and Hall of Fame Induction ceremonies . These events originally catered mainly to employees , but now attract a large swath of next-generation airline enthusiasts and fans as young as Generation Z who are fascinated by how Bert ’ s style brought flair to the air . Social media and attendance data indicate that the 25 – 35-yearold age group is now the largest fan base . Unsurprisingly , many of the brand ’ s biggest followers are from the airline ’ s former Latin America strongholds like Peru and Ecuador , where Mary Wells ’ Braniff El Clan campaign still retains a cult-like following ,
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