Airline Guitars is a family-owned and operated company specializing in retro-chic electric guitars, bass guitars, amps, effects pedals, and related accessories. Our mission is simple: to inspire and empower musicians of all levels by providing exceptional instruments that blend vintage charm with modern innovation. We are dedicated to preserving the legacy of classic American style while fostering an inclusive community that celebrates the transformative power of music.
Airline Guitars History
Originally a store brand of consumer electronics and musical instruments, Airline was marketed and sold by Montgomery Ward through their catalogs and retail stores. The brand offered a range of products, including radios, televisions, record players, guitars, and amplifiers.
The Early Days
From 1958 to 1968, the Airline brand was used by Montgomery Ward on a series of electric and acoustic guitars, made in Chicago by the Valco Manufacturing Co., Kay Musical Instrument Company, and Harmony Company. Airline-branded amplifiers were manufactured by Valco and Danelectro. Valco Airline guitars have been played by a diverse group of artists, including Jack White, J. B. Hutto, David Bowie, The Cure, PJ Harvey, Calexico, and Wooden Shjips.
The Tribute Era
After acquiring the "Airline" brand, Eastwood Guitars of Canada reissued the iconic 1960s "JB Hutto" Airline as the "Airline DLX." The reissue featured a chambered mahogany body, offering a more traditional electric guitar feel and tone compared to the original hollow fiberglass design. In December 2008, Eastwood introduced the "Airline '59 Custom," available in two- and three-pickup models, with striped pickguards and rubber-bound bodies that honored the spirit of the originals.
Airline Returns Home!
In October 2024, the "Airline" trade name was purchased by a family-run manufacturing and distribution business in Chicago, Illinois. Now independent from the Eastwood family of brands, Airline Guitars is poised to lead a new era in guitar design and innovation. Back in its hometown, Airline is home at last!
Our Mission Statement
Airline Guitars is dedicated to delivering exceptional musical instruments that honor the vintage charm and quality craftsmanship of classic American guitars while embracing modern innovations. Through superior design, meticulous craftsmanship, and a passion for music, we aim to inspire and support musicians in creating timeless art. Our unwavering commitment to excellence, customer satisfaction, and community-building drives us to continually elevate the standard of guitar making.
Our Vision Statement
Our vision is to be the most trusted and innovative guitar brand in the world, celebrated for our dedication to craftsmanship, heritage, and community. We aspire to a future where Airline Guitars is synonymous with musical excellence, inspiring musicians of all backgrounds to reach their creative potential. Our goal is to create instruments that are not just tools for expression, but cherished heirlooms that contribute to the rich tapestry of music history.
