[Collection of Airline System Maps]

Interesting group of system maps from the Golden Age of Aviation.

This fascinating collection of route maps highlights the global aviation options available for travelers in the United States and Scandinavia during the late 1940’s and 1950’s. See below for a brief description of each item.

TWA Certified Routes Transcontinental and International – Folded map revised to 1947. Measures approximately 15.4″ x 11″ and shows the worldwide areas serviced by TWA Airlines shortly after WWII.

Aviation in the Elementary Grades – An odd folder, presumably a creation of the airline industry, used to market the wonders of aviation to children.

TWA Air Routes in the United States – Four page folding brochure, issued in 1956 by the General Drafting Company. Two double page maps show portions of the U.S. served by TWA with an index map encouraging the audience to “Discover America” on the back page.

SAS North Atlantic and Polar Route Map – Unfolds to approximately 18″ x 25.25″ and shows the routes of Scandinavian Airlines in vibrant color. Printed in Sweden around 1959 by the Esselte Map Service.

TWA International Air Routes – Printed by the General Drafting Company in 1954. Eight page promotional guide to the international lines of TWA, with accompanying system maps, location descriptions, and colored illustrations.

American Airlines System Map – Double sided sheet that unfolds to 23.75″ x 33.25″. Four separate maps show various regions of the United States and the AA routes that serve them. Printed by the General Drafting Company in 1952.