Trans World Airlines (TWA) was a major U.S.-based airline with hubs in St. Louis, New York (JFK), Denver and Kansas City. The airline operated from 1930 until it was acquired by American Airlines in 2001. Prior to the buyout, TWA was one of the largest domestic US airlines with flights from St. Louis (and to a lesser extent JFK) to every major US city. They also had a substantial feeder operation from smaller mid-west cities. Beyond the US, TWA had a highly developed European network served mainly from its JFK hub.