Swissair | Douglas DC-4 | HB-ILE | Matterhorn

The Story Behind

The new Douglas DC-4 was developed under the darkening clouds of WW2, and upon the USA's entry into war all DC-4s then on the production line were requisitioned for the US military. The result was that the first DC-4 flew for the first time on February 14 1942 in military markings. The DC-4 was found to admirably suit the USAAF's requirement for a long range cargo transport, and 1162 were built through the war years.

As was the case with the DC-3, the end of war meant that much of that number were surplus and sold to the world's airlines. Over the years the survivors have been passed down to charter and freight airlines, and today small numbers survive in service as freighters. The high Range of the DC-4 allowed flights from Europe to the US, hence Swissair started its trans-atlantic crossing from Geneva to New York with HB-ILE and HB-ILA. Swissair Subsidiary Balair also had three used DC-4s in their fleet.

The artwork depicts the Swissair HB-ILE inaugurated over the Matterhorn in accordance with tradition. The 4,478 metres (14,692 ft) high mountain overlooks the Swiss town of Zermatt. This iconic pyramid-shaped peak is certainly the most famous mountain in Europe.

The legend of the Matterhorn was born in 1865 when the peak was conquered for the first time by the British mountaineer Edward Whymper and news of the event quickly travelled around the world. Over 150 years on, the peak, more than 4'000 metres in altitude and once considered to be unconquerable, seems to act like a magnet on mountaineers from all over the world. Respect, awe, fascination – all of these make the legendary peak one of the most extraordinary destinations for travelers from near and far.