The Travel Air Airplane Manufacturing Co. in Wichita has been designated an Historic Aerospace Site by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. Travel Air was among the first viable airplane manufacturers to be established in Wichita in 1925, according to AIAA officials. It also was responsible for four aviation legends firmly establishing themselves in Wichita and forming the nexus between Wichita and aviation: Walter Beech, Olive Ann Mellor (later Olive Ann Beech), Clyde Cessna, and Lloyd Stearman.
Travel Air Airplane Manufacturing Co. produced some of the most famous aircraft of the 1920s, including the Travel Air 5000 and the sleek “Mystery Ship” air racer, winner of the 1929 Thompson Trophy.
For more information: