This paper examines the rise and fall of Eastern Airlines from 1928 to 1991. lt outlines the carrier\u27s development under a succession of leaders and discusses the major events of each leader\u27s reign. From a small contract mail carrier known as Pitcairn Aviation, Eastern grew to become one of the largest airlines in the free world. But after 26 years of growth and prosperity under the leadership of Eddie Rickenbacker, the airline began to stumble in the early 1960s. Frank Lorenzo took the reins in 1986 and began selling the carrier\u27s assets while attempting to destroy the unions. After a massive employee strike in 1989 and a bout with bankruptcy, Eastern stopped flying in January 1991
