Walter Varney

Walter Thomas Varney
Walter T. Varney, founder of predecessors of United and Continental Airlines, in 1921
BornDecember 26, 1888
DiedJanuary 25, 1967(1967-01-25) (aged 78)
Occupation(s)Pilot, Airline executive
SpouseAileen Varney
Children1
Parent(s)Thomas and Ella Varney

Walter Thomas Varney (December 26, 1888 – January 25, 1967)[1][2] was an American aviation pioneer who founded forerunners of two major U.S. airlines, United Airlines[3] and Continental Airlines,[4] which combined under United Continental Holdings in 2010, long after his death in 1967. Varney was also one of the most prominent airmail contractors of the early 20th century.

Varney served as a pilot in the Aviation Section, U.S. Signal Corps during World War I. After the war Varney established an aviation school and air taxi service in northern California.[5]

  1. ^ Varney Santa Barbara DCT or Obit Accessed 21 June 2007
  2. ^ "Walter T. Varney". 2023-05-10. Archived from the original on 2023-05-10. Retrieved 2024-02-15.
  3. ^ United Airlines Website,Era 2: 1926 - 1933 Archived 2007-05-20 at the Wayback Machine
  4. ^ Continental Airlines Website, Company History 1934 to 1958
  5. ^ "Walter T. Varney". 2023-05-10. Archived from the original on 2023-05-10. Retrieved 2024-02-15.