This long form commercial for Western Airlines (circa 1970s) highlights the airline’s history, service, and destinations. It begins by showcasing the catchy slogan “Western Airlines, the only way to fly”, and features the song composed and sung by Mark Lindsay. The ad emphasizes the airline’s broad network, listing cities like Phoenix, Miami, and Las Vegas, while promoting their quality service, referred to as “the Champagne Airline.” The history segment traces the airline’s origins back to 1926 with its first flight from Los Angeles to Salt Lake City via Las Vegas. Over the years, Western Airlines expanded to international routes, continuing its legacy of excellence in air travel. The commercial ends with energetic music and visuals, reinforcing the message that Western Airlines is the best choice for travelers. The film features McDonnell Douglas DC-10 aircraft. In 1973 Western added nine McDonnell Douglas DC-10-10s, marketing its wide-body cabins as “DC-10 Spaceships”. They were configured with 46 first-class seats, 193 coach, and a lower level galley. From 1976 to 1981 the DC-10s flew Los Angeles to Miami nonstop.

00:00 – 0:25: The commercial begins with music and a catchy slogan, “Western Airlines, the only way to fly.”

0:25 – 1:00: The commercial continues with a lively jingle inviting passengers to join Western Airlines in the sky, emphasizing it as the best choice for air travel.

1:08 – 1:22: Images of in flight meal service by a stewardess. List of various destinations served by Western Airlines, such as Phoenix, Hawaii, Miami, Reno, Las Vegas, and more.

1:22 – 2:00: The ad encourages travelers to try Western Airlines, highlighting its quality service and promise to deliver an exceptional experience.

2:00 – 2:27: The commercial introduces Western’s dedication to excellent service, mentioning its reputation as “the Champagne Airline” and its beginnings in 1926 with a small biplane.

A Pathe newsreel tells the story of the first mail plane, piloted by Capt. Maurice Graham. 2:27 – 3:01: A historical segment shows the first flight from Los Angeles to Salt Lake City via Las Vegas, establishing the airline’s long-standing legacy.

3:01 – 3:19: Animated TV commercial for Mexico City vacations. Montage of images of Mexico. The ad mentions that after 50 years, Western Airlines still operates the same route and has expanded to international destinations.

3:19 – 8:11: Montage of images of Miami, Florida, Alaska, Western Canada including Vancouver, Hawaii, Salt Lake City, Los Angeles and other destinations. The commercial concludes with energetic music and visuals reinforcing the slogan, inviting viewers to join Western Airlines for a remarkable flying experience, and highlights the expansion to 40+ cities with more destinations on the way.

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This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD, 2k and 4k. For more information visit http://www.PeriscopeFilm.com