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I will create a historical timeline showing some key events and developments in passenger airlines after the Second World War from 1945 onwards.
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The opening of Heathrow airport was on January 1st 1946. Heathrow airport is one the most popular airports worldwide with flights to a wide variety of destinations. This airport may of been non-existent, if Norman MacMillan had not made the emergency landing in 1925.
The site of Heathrow airport was overtook by the RAF during the second world war. It then became a place for commercial travel.
https://www.londonmuseum.org.uk/collections/london-stories/history-londons-heathrow-airport/ -
Wiley Stickney (2025) BOAC which stands for British Overseas Airways Corporation. This airline was one of the most popular national airline of the UK in 1952. BOAC was known for long haul flights, connecting the UK to territories far away and allies. This was when air travel was in the golden infancy. This airline had a range of purposes of flying including commercial jet services, and wartime flights. BOAC is highly known for its contribution towards the growth of international air travel. -
Orbitshub (2023)The DC-10 was introduced in the late 1960's by McDonell Douglas. This aircraft was designed to set higher standards for air travel. Bryan Swopes (2021) Although, it was introduced in the 1960's the first ever flight was on August 29th, 1970's, travelling from Long Beach Airport to Edwards Air force Base, California. This aircraft is a wide-body commercial airliner. -
Sir Freddie Laker had founded 'Laker Airways' in 1966, this airline grew very quickly and became one of the most innovative airlines in the British aviation history. In 1977, the 'Skytrain' service is a service that provides no reservation needed, customers could just walk on the flights as in a first come first serve basis. The flights were very affordable, a flight from London to New York would cost as little as £59 one way.
https://sirfreddielaker.com/laker-airways -
Jim Goodrich (2025) The Boeing 747, which is also known as the 'Queen of the Skies', the production of this aircraft started in 1968. Boeing 747 became the "worlds first widebody jet". Although, this aircraft was firstly introduced in 1968, the first flight took place on the 9th February 1969. -
The first aeroplane designed to carry passengers was the Concorde. French and British aircraft firms constructed it. The first time it crossed was on September 26, 1973. On January 21, 1976, it began the first scheduled passenger operation in history. It was flown all over the world and further routes were added. But the aircraft's noise restricted its operation, forcing it to change its routes. Concorde came into service in 1976.
https://www.britannica.com/technology/Concorde -
Department for Transport (2025)Over the past 50 years, there has been a huge increase of airports and the facilities. Including, stricter security measures immediately since the 9/11 attack. Also, due to the high volume of demand for air travel, the majority of airports have expanded to accommodate more people, and to also allow more airlines to fly from. The demand is continuously increasing, leading to the airports expanding, adding more runways, terminals, and extra facilities. -
Anon (2025)The de- regulation of the airlines occurred in 1978. The government managed system was overtook by an open competition. President Carter had signed this off on October 24 1978.
William Watts (2024) Airline deregulation had so many impacts on how air travel was, such impacting ticket prices to the number of airlines in operation. It also created more competition due to newer airlines and lower fares. -
Early 1990'S was when budget airlines came into service, expanding their services, making travel more affordable for many people and increasing the number of travelers. Between the budget airlines is a competition in the airline industry, leading to lower prices. Also, the more affordable flights were usually for shorter distances which will encourage people to take shorter trips or weekend gateways which will boost domestic tourism. -
Anon (2025)Pan American World Airways (Pan Am), was the biggest international airline in the USA. Pan Am was typically known from introducing the Boeing 747. Kent German (2025) WW2 had made a significant impact on ‘Pan Am’. Post WW2, Pan Am had now used engine land planes as an alternative to the flying boats that were previously used, aiming for affordable air travel. Also, a service ‘round-the-world’ was enforced in 1947 with Pan Am airlines, this was the first ever scheduled. -
There has been a huge change in airline check in and now relies on technologyOnline check in is the process of checking into your flight via the airlines website or app.Online check in became a thing in 1999.Online check in has simplified travelling, and is more time efficient. It will save time at the airport, and will reduce stress from the other airport procedures. . -
Kumar, B.R. (2022). The B787, also known as the Boeing 787 dreamliner was introduced in the early 2000's. This aircraft was expected to be used as a commercial service by 2004 but had delays. The 787 had very fastly became ' the fastest selling wide body airplane in history'.
In 2009, the B787 had taken its first flight on December 15th 2009, from Paine Field, Everett. -
Dianna Gearce (2021)After the 9/11 incident, strict airport rules and regulations were immediately put in place to prevent any more incidents similar to this. Previous to this attack, both passengers and guests that were not flying were able to visit and get through past security. But now, only those with tickets are allowed through. There were many new rules in place at airports such as the screenings are now 100% of checked baggage for explosives, compared to the 5% beforehand. -
The Civil Aviation Organisation is the UKs independent specialist aviation regulator, and it plays a crucial role in overseeing and regulating all aspects of civil aviation in the UK, including airports. CAA is used to ensure that the airports meet strict safety standards for facilities and operations. The CAA is also faced with the responsibility to safeguard the passengers' rights and ensure high standards of service.
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IATA is “the Air Transport Industry's link with governments and the public, as well as being the airlines’ representives in international organisations.” IATA represents the interests of global airlines, including those based in the UK, recommending policies that will help the airline industry. IATA will increase the industry standards and best practices that UK airlines follow to ensure operational efficiency and safety.
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.https://legalclarity.org/airline-deregulation-legal-history-and-industry-impact/
https://ohmyfacts.com/aviation/18-facts-about-airline-deregulation-impacts/
https://www.phl.org/newsroom/911-security-impact#:~:text=In%20the%20aftermath%20of%20September,PHL%20Airport%20CEO%20Chellie%20Cameron.
https://www.britannica.com/money/Pan-American-World-Airways-Inc?
https://www.sfgate.com/hawaii/article/hawaii-air-travel-history-21246817.php? -
Anon (n.d) Ryanair is a European low-cost airline.Ryanair operates to multiple destinations across the world, also operating from different hubs. The main hub is located in Dublin Airport, but also operate from other hubs including London Stansted Airport, Barcelona-El Prat Airport, and Rome Ciampino Airport. Ryanair operates flights to a wide range of destinations including Barcelona, Italy, and Prague along with more destinations. -
https://www.britishairways.com/content/information/flight-information/our-route-network?msockid=2564bdd341fa64f612b9ab2840a865d1
https://www.ifly.com/airlines/ryanair-airlines/airline-hubs
https://www.emirates.com/english/destinations/?msockid=2564bdd341fa64f612b9ab2840a865d1
https://www.ifly.com/airlines/emirates-airlines/airline-hubs -
Anon (2026) Emirates is renowned airline located in United Arab Emirates. Emirates is mainly known for its long haul flights. They operate flights to a wide range of locations including Amsterdam, Antananarvio, and Bali. Along with these destinations, they also operate flights to many other destinations.
Anon (n.d) Emirates main hub is Dubai International Airport, but also operates from other hubs including Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, and Hamad International Airport. -
NCFE. Air Accidents Investigations Branch (AAIB). AAIB explores civil aircraft accidents and serious incidents that take place within the UK, overseas territories, and crown dependencies. It is apart of the Department for Transport, and based in Farnborough Airport, England.
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https://boltflight.com/british-overseas-airways-corporation-the-rise-and-legacy-of-a-global-aviation-pioneer/
https://orbitshub.com/the-evolution-of-the-dc-10-airliner-from-design-to-legacy/
https://tsunamiair.com/planes/boeing-747
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/airport-capacity-and-expansion-a-government-update/government-update-on-airport-expansion
https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-96725-3_43
NCFE Booklet -
British Airways is a major British airline. BA operate a wide range of routes including short and long haul, also operating from multiple hubs. Although, BA do have 2 major hubs that are often more popular, London Heathrow Airport, and London Gatwick Airport. Anon (2025) From these hubs, they operate to 202 international destinations and 11 domestic destinations within the UK. The destinations include, North America, Africa, and Europe along with many more.
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