The next decade began with the introduction of an airplane that would become a PSA icon: the Lockheed Electra L-188. Although the 60s was a decade of incredible growth, it began with a great loss as founder Kenny Friedkin passed away in 1962. Long time PSA employee J. Floyd Andrews took over as president, a capacity in which he would serve until 1976.

Another major event occurred in 1962, when PSA welcomed its 1 millionth passenger on board! Growth and innovation were the themes of the first half of the 1960s, with PSA operating a new engine overhaul shop and a pilot training center; in addition, an automated phone reservation system was put into service. 

Many celebrities preferred to fly on PSA including Lassie, Dick Van Dyke, Dan Blocker, Johnny Cash, Hugh Hefner and Bob Hope.

Perhaps the biggest indication that PSA was coming of age was the introduction of the 727 jet airliner in 1965. The latter half of the decade showed even more impressive expansion: new routes, new aircraft and a new 185,000 square foot administration and hangar complex.

The PSA administration and maintenance building was built to house three 727s undergoing maintenance. Today, the building houses the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority offices.

 However, some might argue that the most important introduction PSA made in the 1960s was the unveiling of the fist miniskirt stewardess uniform in 1966!

The PSA miniskirt is among the artifacts in the SDASM curatorial collection.

The decade closed with the introduction of the famous smile on each PSA airplane, cementing in people’s minds that PSA truly was the “World’s Friendliest Airline!”

During the 1960s, PSA flight attendants were involved in several public relations activities, including a good will tour of Vietnam and playing on a basketball team.