Quantcast

United Airlines celebrates 100 years of 'Rhapsody in Blue' as iconic theme

GLOBAL INDUSTRY NEWS
American Halts CRJ-200 Operations
Shanghai Airlines to Launch Casablanca Route
Engine maker agrees to compensate WizzAir for grounded planes
Turkish Airlines’ flights are riddled with bedbugs, passengers say
British Airways frequent flyers react to Executive Club changes
Inside the short-lived, men-only flights where kids and women were banned but cigar and pipe smoking were rife
China steps up drive to break Boeing, Airbus grip on plane market
Heathrow’s New York service clings to spot in top aviation routes
Airline praises pilots in crash-landing where both died but nearly half the passengers survived
Mexico state airline to buy five Embraer planes next year
A record number of people are expected to fly over the holidays. That's good for travel stocks, but not for passengers.
American Airlines technical issue sparks travel chaos on Christmas Eve as flights heavily delayed after being grounded
Why United Airlines has had such a stellar year despite being Boeing's biggest customer
JetBlue nixing routes between multiple major cities, reducing several others
Airline Stocks Led The Travel Industry's Record 2024 Rally. Here's What's Next.
It’s beginning to look like another record for holiday travel
Qatar Airways cleans up at the World Travel Awards
All of the strikes at European airports this winter – find out if you are affected
Meet the CEO trying to turn around Air India, the 92-year-old airline with a pile of problems
Skiplagging: Unpacking the Risky Travel Trend That Involves Tricking Airlines
Qantas engineers walk off job on one of the busiest travel days of the year
South Korea to safeguard competition after Korean Air, Asiana merger
China Southern returns to Adelaide
Global Airline Industry Revenues Forecast To Top $1 Trillion For First Time In 2025
EasyJet to launch six new routes from the UK next year with £24 flights
Here's Why Analysts Say It's a Good Time to Buy Airline Stocks
A No-Frills Airline Is Getting Into the Premium Game
TAKING OFF: Major airline introduces new inflight service rules with less time to order your drinks
2 Delta flight attendants fail breathalyzer test before flight to JFK
EasyJet reveals plans for new flights from regional UK airport next summer
Global Industry News
United Airlines celebrates 100 years of 'Rhapsody in Blue' as iconic theme
Policy
Webp 9d8e4n9zvnq6npvse1f7c4oouh5n
Airbus A380 | Airbus

This year marks the centennial of George Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue," a composition that has become synonymous with United Airlines. Originally used in a marketing campaign, the song continues to be associated with the airline, which first acquired its rights in the 1980s for an annual fee of $300,000. Although now available for commercial use, its connection to United remains strong.

The piece debuted in United's advertising in 1987, focusing on business travel and featuring New York City. The campaign coincided with United's acquisition of Boeing 747s and relocation to Washington Dulles following Pan American Airways' decline.

Travelers at Chicago O'Hare International Airport can hear "Rhapsody in Blue" while passing through the 'Rainbow Tunnel,' a walkway adorned with neon lights and mirrors since 1987. This unique experience offers a brief escape from the busy airport environment.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
Subscribe
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

Despite changes in branding over the years, United's blue globe design introduced after merging with Continental Airlines in 2010 has remained constant. The color blue is evident throughout various aspects of the airline's operations.

The theme song is featured in many onboard safety videos, including a version released in 2024. United has created multiple renditions of the song while maintaining its original essence.

In lounges worldwide, "Rhapsody in Blue" plays as background music, enhancing the atmosphere for club members and visitors with its classical jazz elements.

The composition represents a blend of classical music with jazz and blues influences, embodying New York City's cultural diversity. Gershwin's personal story as an immigrant reflects challenges similar to those faced by United Airlines over time.

United's strategic choice of this classic piece as their theme song evokes emotions and memories among travelers. Its enduring appeal highlights its status as one of United's most significant investments.

Organizations Included in this History
Simple Flying
More News

Brightline Trains partners with Flying Food Group for onboard dining

Flying Food Group has been providing catering services for Brightline Trains since August 2023.

Jun 10, 2025

Flying Food Group caters inaugural STARLUX flight from Ontario to Taipei

Flying Food Group's Los Angeles International (LAI) facility successfully catered the inaugural STARLUX Airlines flight from Ontario International Airport to Taipei on June 2, 2025.

Jun 9, 2025

Airbus reports no new orders but confirms delivery of Wizz Air's first A321XLR

Airbus has released its order and delivery statistics for May, revealing that the company did not secure any new orders during the month.

Jun 9, 2025

Wizz Air targets growth amid ongoing engine issues

Wizz Air is set to increase its capacity by approximately 20% in the year leading up to March 2026, despite facing challenges with a portion of its fleet being grounded due to Pratt & Whitney GTF engine issues.

Jun 9, 2025

ITA Airways eyes expansion with new long-haul routes

ITA Airways is reportedly planning to expand its operations by launching over a dozen new long-haul routes in the next five years.

Jun 9, 2025

Reagan National Airport halts operations for Trump's birthday military parade

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) plans to suspend airline operations at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on the evening of June 14.

Jun 9, 2025

Aviation Comments
Loading...

No comments available.

Trending
1

Flying Food Group launches employee relief fund honoring Sue Ling Gin

2

Flying Food Group underscores commitment on World Food Safety Day

3

Flying Food Group caters inaugural STARLUX flight from Ontario to Taipei

4

Flying Food Group highlights commitment to diversity inspired by founder Sue L. Gin

5

Brightline Trains partners with Flying Food Group for onboard dining