AFJROTC Commercial and General Aviation Take Off Practice Exam

Which carrier was NOT allowed to operate regular air service across the Atlantic by the CAB?

1. TWA

2. Pan Am

3. United

4. Eastern Airlines

The correct answer is: United

The choice of United Airlines as the carrier not allowed to operate regular air service across the Atlantic by the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) is rooted in the historical context of air transport regulation in the United States. During the mid-20th century, the CAB controlled the allocation of transatlantic routes and regularly selected certain airlines for these prestigious and lucrative services. Pan Am and TWA were among the first and primary operators on transatlantic routes, often viewed as the leading conquerors of international air travel during that era. Eastern Airlines had a reputation for domestic operations but was also considered for various international expansions. United Airlines had sought to enter the transatlantic market but did not receive CAB approval for scheduled international services across the Atlantic in the early competitive phase of air travel, primarily because the CAB had established a limited number of carriers for these routes to ensure strong competition in a vital segment of international air transport. Understanding this context highlights why United Airlines did not have regular air service across the Atlantic when compared to its counterparts.