Born Seabright, New Jersey, June 27, 1899. Rated U.S.
Naval Aviator in 1918. As managing director of Colonial
Air Transport, became an industry leader in the development
of passenger airline operations. Founded Pan American in
1927, expanding its operations until by 1931 it provided
service throughout the Carribean and South America, and in
1935 achieved global status with the establishment of regular
Trans Atlantic and Pacific service by the famed Clipper Flying
Boats. It was Pan American to which the U.S. Government turned
at the onset of World War II in establishing a world-wide aircraft
ferry system and bases.
In the post war years requirements established by Trippe played
a major role in the development of both the piston and jet powered
high speed long range commercial aircraft. Under his direction
Pan American was the first airline to fly American made jet
transports.
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