The jet age

July 27, 1949 saw the inaugural flight of the de Havilland Comet, the world's first commercial jet airliner. Manufactured by a British company, de Havilland, the craft was a high point in early aeronautical design and was powered by four jet engines. Unfortunately, early models suffered from catastrophic metal fatigue, and a series of well-publicized accidents ensued, costing the design public and commercial confidence. The company withdrew the plane from production and it underwent a series of re-designs. In all 114 were built and put into production.

Within 10 years of this date new and improved jet propelled aircraft were on the scene and aviation really took off! Jet travel shrunk the globe and bought tourism to the fore front in many nations. And the air of air travel for the rich and famous had ended.

Got travel questions? Email thetravelprofessor@gmail.com.