Air Canada began operation in 1937 as Trans Canada Airlines. Its first aircraft were Lockheed Electra's. In April 1939 TCA inaugurated transcontinental service between Montrail and Vancouver. Tran Canada Airlines grew rapidly during World War II. TCA continued to grow after the war and in 1957 orrder its first jets, DC-8's while they were still on the drawing boards. On Jaunuary 1, 1965 the name of the airline was officially changed to Air Canada. In 1968 Air Canada ordered its first 747's.