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Large sheet with a map printed in tones of green, with air routes marked in red and purple. 81x42 cm - Seven folds, to fit in a portfolio - which is printed on a pale green background in two tones of gold and black, with the AA logo at center. The map is a Lambert Conformal Conic Projection, beautifully designed by A. Petruccelli - the scale is 1:13.450.000 (1 inch = 184 nautical miles). The marked routes show the American Airlines domestic USA routes, the international routes flown by American Overseas Airlines, and other airline's international routes (marked in less-bold purple lines), as well as international time zones and mileage figures for the international routes. Map is in Fine condition. Portfolio, with legend and scale marks and instructions for charting one's exact position during a flight - portfolio slightly worn and rubbed. American Overseas Airlines (AOA) operated between the United States and Europe between 1945 and 1950. American Airlines was interested in acquiring the former firm American Export Airlines since it wanted to break into the overseas market, which was, at that time - dominated by Pan American World Airways. The US CAB approved the acquisition of AEA by American Airlines on July 5, 1945. The La Guardia - Botwood - Shannon route was initially operated by Vought-Sikorsky flying boats using the Marine Air Terminal at LaGuardia Airport. By 1948 the airline also served Prestwick, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Berlin, Keflavik, Oslo, Copenhagen, Stockholm and Helsinki. AOA launched international landplane flights (as opposed to previous AEA seaplane service) on October 24, 1945, with DC-4 Flagship New England (N90904), on the route New York City (USA) to London via Boston, Gander (Newfoundland) and Shannon (Ireland). AOA was acquired by rival Pan American in 1950 -- a merger that required a Presidential order to overturn initial objections by the Civil Aeronautics Board. AOA was merged into what would become Pan American's Atlantic Division on September 25, 1950. This interesting map in portfolio must have been issued between 1945 and 1950, most likely 1948. (Under the imprint in the map's cartouche, there is a printed notation: "448.") ; Experience the pleasure of reading and appreciating this actual printed item. It has its own physical history that imbues it with a character lacking in ephemeral electronic renderings.

Aviation History Airplanes Air Travel Overseas Flights