aviation history through
stories and art.
About the Airline
Eastern Air Lines History
Eastern Air Lines began in 1926 as a small airmail carrier known as Pitcairn Aviation, operating modest routes that connected communities in the early days of flight. In just a few decades, it grew into one of the most influential airlines in America’s aviation history. The company pioneered aircraft, routes, and services that would shape the way generations of people traveled. From its transformation under World War I ace Eddie Rickenbacker to its role as a household name in the Jet Age, Eastern was a vital part of American life, and its legacy remains a cornerstone of aviation history.
About the Pilots
EASTERN AIR LINES PILOTS
Behind every milestone in Eastern’s history were its pilots. Skilled professionals who navigated storms, pioneered new technology, and carried millions of passengers safely to their destinations. For travelers, they weren’t just aviators — they were the guardians of family reunions, business opportunities, and unforgettable journeys.
Honoring the Aviators Who Carried Our Dreams
Behind every flight in the Eastern Air Lines fleet stood skilled and courageous pilots whose professionalism inspired generations. Explore heartfelt accounts from former Eastern Air Lines employees and families, and discover how you can contribute to our living memorial.
How Your Donation Helps
Preserving History in Plaques
Your generous support creates and maintains beautiful memorial plaques honoring the legacy of Eastern Air Lines pilots and crew, ensuring their contributions are never forgotten.
Sharing Eastern Air Lines Story
We document and share the Eastern Air Lines history through exhibits, galleries, and archival work, keeping the story alive for aviation enthusiasts worldwide.
Honoring Our Aviators
Your support ensures that our Eastern Air Lines memorial continues to grow, celebrating the achievements of the men and women who shaped our airline’s story.
Gift for Donation
Artwork by jerry frost
Donations are more than contributions — they’re a partnership. In appreciation, we offer digital prints of Eastern aircraft, designed by one of our own retired captains and ready to be displayed in your home. Visit our gallery to see our full collection.
Gallery
Step inside our Eastern Airlines community through photographs and stories. This is more than a gallery. It’s a living scrapbook of an airline that touched millions.
Legacy Lives On
Whether you flew the Eastern Airlines aircraft, served as a crew member, or simply admired its iconic blue-and-white livery, you are part of this legacy.
Join fellow former Eastern Airlines employees, aviation enthusiasts, and supporters in keeping this history vibrant through donations, stories, and shared memories.
Family STORIES
Honoring the families who stood beside Eastern Airlines pilots, playing a part in every journey and milestone.
donors
Every gift helps preserve the history of Eastern Airlines, allowing us to maintain the plaques themselves and the virtual memorial that breathes life into the names etched in bronze.
Pilot memorials
Discover the pilots whose leadership and skill defined Eastern’s storied past. Here you’ll find short biographies of influential pilots whose careers left a lasting imprint on the airline and the industry.
Thank you to our generous donors
