twa

Twa, or TWA in uppercase, is an acronym or name that can refer to several different things. In common usage, it most often denotes Trans World Airlines, the historic American airline, or the Twa (Batwa) peoples of Central Africa. The meaning is usually evident from context or capitalization.

Trans World Airlines, commonly shortened to TWA, was founded in 1930 as Transcontinental & Western Air and grew into a major international carrier. It operated passenger and cargo services worldwide and was known for its early jet-age fleets and transatlantic routes. In 2001, TWA filed for bankruptcy and its assets, routes, and brand were acquired by American Airlines, ending independent operations. The TWA name and iconic logo continue to be associated with nostalgia for mid-20th century air travel, and a former TWA terminal at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport remains a landmark.

The Twa, also known as Batwa, are Indigenous peoples of Central Africa, including parts of Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Historically hunter-gatherers who lived in forested regions, many Twa have faced displacement, poverty, and discrimination. They often maintain distinct languages and cultural practices, though integration pressures and economic challenges have affected traditional lifeways.

TWA can also be used as an acronym in various fields or as a short form for other organizations, phrases, or terms. Because of the ambiguity, the intended meaning is typically clarified by context.