From the EAL publication “Pastimes” from 1972. The centerfold introducing the L-1011 to the EAL fleet. Image from David Capodilupo. [CLICK FOR LARGER]
I recently came across the above cut-away for an Eastern Air Lines Lockheed L1011 and wanted to share. Notice the dividers in economy (seen better in an image down below) and the lounge seating (red seats) in the front and rear of the aircraft. For the time, it really was “The plane that pampers people.”
Eastern was one of two co-launch customers for the L1011 (TWA was the second), which started service in 1972 with the airline.
Eastern Air Lines Lockheed L1011. Photo by Bob Garrard.
The spacious layout, the luxurious amenities — the way flying used to be right? Also remember that there were fewer flight options, limited in-flight entertainment, louder, less safe and cost much more. Yes, things have changed, but I think mostly for the good. Doesn’t mean I don’t miss the L1011 and EAL.
Image from Chris Sloan / Airchive.com.
The image above is from the L1011 Sales Brochure, this shows a more cramped 2-4-3 layout for economy (the cut-away above shows a 2-4-2). Check out those center dividers and the lack of center overhead bins.
This story written by…David Parker Brown, Editor & Founder.
David started AirlineReporter.com in the summer of 2008, but has had a passion for aviation since he was a kid. Born and raised in the Seattle area (where he is currently based) has surely had an influence and he couldn’t imagine living anywhere else in the world.
This classic Eastern Air Lines commercial from the 1960’s (guessing around 1964, since that is when the 727-100 entered service) highlights the Boeing 727 entering service with the airline. They tout it as “being as quiet as a library.” Hmm… I am not sure what library they are hanging out in, but those Boeing 727-100’s without hush kits are not known for their silence. Well, at the time, they were quieter than other jets, but as much as a library? Haaardly.
Ah, kids these days. They do not know how good they have it right? This classic Eastern Air Lines commercial from the 1960’s highlights highlights the airline’s “simpatico” service, the Boeing 727 and the ability to catch up on some sleep.
The Historical Flight Foundation's Eastern Air Lines DC-7 (N836D) was waiting for us when arriving on Miami's first A380 flight.
When landing at Miami on the first A380 arrival, it was easy to miss that there was a special guest wishing us a warm welcome: a restored Eastern Air Lines DC-7. The DC7 (N836D) has been restored by the Historical Flight Foundation based in Miami, FL and isn’t one to be stored in a museum, it actually flies and quite a bit.
So what does one do when they have a fully restored DC-7 and want to take it for a spin? Well you fly it from Miami to St. Maarten of course and what an adventure. Self-proclaimed aviation geek, Scott Hamilton, got to take the ride and does a great job documenting the adventure. Please check out his full report.
Eastern going back to a silver fleet. Click for larger.
When I did my post about not being a fan of American Airline’s livery, some of you disagreed. Although I am not a fan of American’s livery now, I used to be about 20 years ago when it felt more modern. After seeing the post, a reader sent me this magazine ad from Eastern Air Lines when they went back to the silver bodied livery. They used to have a bare livery, but then went to a white body livery.
It is interesting to see how they are selling the environmental aspect of having little paint on their aircraft. The writing on the advertisement is a little difficult to read. So you don’t have to hurt your eyes, here is what it says:
“Things look better at Eastern. Including the way we look. There’s a new look at Easter Airlines. Our service looks better. Our business looks better. And now, even our look looks better. For one thing, we’re changing our flying colors from blue and white to blue and silver. Every time a plane is due to be painted, we’ll take off our white paint and buff the metal to a bright silver. But we’re not changing just to look better. We’re changing to help conserve energy.
You see, airplane paint weights several hundred pounds. Without it, we’ll fly more efficiently. And save over 250,000 gallons of fuel a year. There’s another new look you’ll see right away. Our new uniforms. Because of wear and tear, we were due to change uniforms anyway. So we’re replacing them with some smart new styles and colors. But, at Eastern, we believe that just looking good isn’t enough. We know that prompt, courteous service is what’s really important to you.
After all, good service is what won us two million more passengers last year than the year before. So we can’t stop now. If we want you to fly Eastern all the time, and we do, then we’ve got to earn our wings every day.
Eastern
The Wings of Man”
Very good stuff and a special thanks to David C for sharing.
![From the EAL publication "Pastimes" from 1972. The centerfold introducing the L-1011 to the EAL fleet. Notice the First Class (red seat) arrangement..nice. Image from David Capodilupo. [CLICK FOR LARGER]](https://www.airlinereporter.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/L1011.jpg)
