Key events and developments in passenger airlines after the second world war (1945-2026)

  • introduction

    Since 1945 air travel has dramatically changed from being just being a luxurious service for the wealthy to everyday usage from modern day travellers. Many advances and developments in technology, airports, and facilities.
  • Opening of Heathrow airport

    Heathrow airport opened on the 25th of March 1946, becoming the worlds busiest international travel hub. Offering many international flights around the world and regional flights ran by major airlines like British Airways, Emirates, and Virgin Atlantic.
  • Pan Am

    Pan Am was one of the famous airlines back in the day known for flashy uniform, logo and pretty flight attendants. It ran international routes, luxury travel for passengers and ran services in Boeing 747.
  • Laker Airways

    This company was created by Sir Freddie Laker, this airline became famous for it's notoriously low rates for flights around the world. Famously the London and New York route for £50-£60. Making air travel affordable for passengers.
  • Boeing 747

    The Boeing 747 was advanced for long haul international travel, able to carry hundreds of people during travel.
  • DC-10

    McDonnell Douglas DC-10 was a popular regional and long haul routes and aided airports and airlines to expanded into international travel.
  • British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC)

    This corporations is state owned, operating long haul routes then merged into BEA in 1974, making British Airways. This corporation aided international travel after World War 2.
  • Concorde

    The Concorde was made by the British and French, making supersonic passenger travel in 1976. Famously, making route from London to New York under 4 hours.
  • Airline deregulation

    The USA government ablioshed government control on fares and routes, allowing competition between airlines from niche airlines making air travel more accessible. Cheaper fares have allowed more worldwide access.
  • Growth of airports and facilities

    Airports have to expand to accomodate the larger quantity of passengers, developing drop of zones, car parks, toliets, duty free, transportation links and better passengers assistance.
  • Rise of 'No Frills' Airlines

    Budget/low-cost carriers like Jet2, Easyjet, and Ryanair offer very cheap fares by reduced onboard services and services run from regional airports. Allowing everyday travel by passengers happen at a lower cost.
  • Security increase after 9/11

    After 9/11 terriost attacks airports and airline secruity became a prevalent problem making air travel longer due to increase in security checks. Technology advances such as scanning of people, bags, training of officers. Rules on liquid limits and object sthat are allowed on carry on and luggage.
  • Airbus A380

    The A380 is the world's biggest passneger airplane, able to carry 800+ passengers.
  • Airline check-in changes

    Airlines and aierports have advanced to online check in prior to arriving, many airports have self service kiosks where you check your own luggage in and label them, many biometric systems are in place for security and easy access using face recognition and fingerprints. This changes the need for more check in staff at points. However, there still are staff available to check you in. This reduces the need and impact from paper boarding and departure passes.
  • Boeing 787 Dreamliner

    This was introduced as a lightweight aircraft with fuel effiecent tech that makes operational costs lower. the boeing 787 is favourable in low cost carriers like Ryanair and Jet2.
  • British Airways

    British Airways

    British Airways is the UK's biggest major airline operating many international and regional routes. Main airports they operate from are Heathrow and Gatwick. Also they can operate from Cardiff airport where that's there main maintence hub is. Routes are around the world flights to Australia, Africa, Asia and many more.

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