A look at the history and development of the multi-billion dollar civil aviation industry–from troubled beginnings through modern marvels.

Soar back to the beginnings of flight to see how innovators such as Benjamin Franklin and Leonardo DaVinci devised new ways to give man wings. Explore the invention of hot air balloons, Zeppelins, box kites, and the story of the most influential aviation inventors of all—Wilbur and Orville Wright.

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Soar back to the beginnings of flight to see how innovators such as Benjamin Franklin, Leonardo DaVinci, and the Wright brothers devised new ways to give man wings.

Take Off: The Beginning of Flight

Flying an early airplane required skill, courage and a sense of adventure. The advent of the movie camera meant that their exploits could be broadcast to every corner of the globe and recorded for posterity. The WWII pilots who were able to master combat flying were known as "Air Aces."

Flying an early airplane required skill, courage and a sense of adventure. The movie camera meant that their exploits could be broadcast to every corner of the globe.

The First Decades of Aviation

The decades following the First World War saw aircraft designers pushing the boundaries of aeronautical technology, moving the industry forward at a rapid pace. With new commercial markets opening up, it was visionaries who held the key to success.

The decades following the First World War saw aircraft designers pushing the boundaries of aeronautical technology, moving the industry forward at a rapid pace.

Aviation Goes Commercial

In the years following WWI, flying took off as a serious business. Previously unimagined opportunities opened up—among them, skywriting and sightseeing tours. Flying became a bigger feature of life around the world, not just as a novelty "adventure" for the rich but as a mode of transport for many.

In the years following WWI, flying took off as serious business. Previously unimagined opportunities opened up, and flying became a feature of life around the world.

Highways in the Sky

Seaplanes saw the dawn of the aviation industry, as they could transport large numbers of passengers between continents and only required a smooth body of water to land. Advances in floatplane technology since the 1920s have continued to make seaplanes an extremely popular mode of transportation.

Seaplanes saw the dawn of the aviation industry, as they could transport large numbers of passengers between continents and only required a smooth body of water to land.

Seaplanes Cross the Oceans

On May 15th, 1941, the first experimental jet engine raced over England for 17 minutes at a top speed of 545km per hour. British aviation expert and aeronautical engineer Sir Frank Whittle invented this jet engine and ushered in a new era of air travel.

On May 15th, 1941, the first experimental jet engine raced over England for 17 minutes at a top speed of 545km per hour, ushering in a new era of air travel.

The History of the Jet Age

Airlines sprang up everywhere, catering to the demands of passengers wanting to go just about anywhere, but the flights were only domestic. Pre-war travel was a luxury afforded only by the rich, but post-war, the emphasis was on comfort and customer service for both the rich and middle class.

Airlines sprang up everywhere, catering to wealthy domestic passengers. Post-war, the emphasis was on comfort and customer service for both the rich and middle class.

The Jet Age Takes off

Early airfields prioritized utility over comfort. As the popularity of air transport increased, cities recognized the need to provide better service to passengers, and airports grew in design to become the hubs of activity and convenience they are today.

Early airfields prioritized utility over comfort. As the popularity of air transport increased, cities recognized the need to provide better service to passengers.

The Growth of Airports

Britain and France collaborated to build the world's first Concorde, a jet that could traverse the Atlantic in just 3 hours at twice the speed of sound. The all-metal Trident jet was a popular choice for airlines but couldn't compete with the glamour and allure of the Concorde.

Britain and France collaborated to build the world's first Concorde, a jet that could traverse the Atlantic in just 3 hours at twice the speed of sound.

Flying at the Speed of Sound: The Concorde

The Boeing 737 twin-engine jetliner was Boeing's first great success, operable even at smaller airports with shorter runways. Despite all its advantages, the 737 was soon overshadowed by the new, improved 747 Jumbo Jet.

The Boeing 737 twin-engine jetliner was Boeing's first great success, operable even at smaller airports with shorter runways. Then came the 747 Jumbo Jet.

Boeing's First Great Success: The 737

Initially, regulators insisted that all passenger aircraft be powered by at least three engines, but the development of more sophisticated airplanes eventually made twin-engine, long-distance travel feasible.

Initially, jets had at least three engines, but the development of more sophisticated airplanes eventually made twin-engine, long-distance travel feasible.

The Success of Twin-Engine Aircraft

The Boeing 787 and its competitor, the Airbus A380, revolutionized air travel once more. Made from fiber-reinforced materials, they are lighter and have a reduced carbon footprint, while improving space, comfort and entertainment for their passengers.

The Boeing 787 and its competitor, the Airbus A380, revolutionized air travel once more. They have a reduced carbon footprint and improve the passenger experience.

The Boeing 787: A Revelation in Air Travel

Space tourism is the new frontier for the aviation industry. The US government initiated its X-30 National Aero-Space Plane research in 1986, but the program didn't last long. Now private companies have moved into space research, promoting this new tourist destination.

Space tourism is the new frontier for the aviation industry. Private companies have now moved into space research, promoting this new tourist destination.