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Today, United Airlines revealed their retro “Friend Ship” livery on an Airbus A320 (N475UA) at Chicaco’s O’Hare International Airport.

Hundreds of United employees showed up to celebrate not only the new retro livery, but also United’s 85th birthday.

United can trace its roots back to 1926 when they carried mail under the “Varney Air Service” name. Then the airline was purchased by William Boeing and merged with his other ventures as “United Aircraft and Transport Corporation.” In 1928, several airlines were combined as “United Air Lines.” Since then, the airline has successfully grown and had many different liveries.

Late last year, United employees were able to vote on which retro livery they wanted from five choices and the “Friend Ship” livery won.

The retro livery will be flown through out United’s North American route system.

This story was a joint venture between AirlineReporter.com and NYCAviation.com.