A Review of Commercial Air Transport From Its Beginning--Its Future and Problems

Milestones of domestic air transportation in the past 50 years are highlighted. Many early innovations were of European origin. Lindbergh’s flight accelerated the use of airplanes as a means of domestic transportation. The DC-3, prior to World War II, achieved a high degree of standardization and established a foundation for future airline growth. After World War II, converted military transports were primary means of conveyance. Phenomenal growth of air travel is due to increased speed, safety, and comfort brought about by use of four-engine planes, automatic pilot, cabin pressurization, and improvements in electronic guidance systems. Basic problems such as over-capacity, need for greater standardization, better ground facilities, and efficient servicing of local air traffic face the airlines today.