Aviation History

Latest History Posts

5/12/1982: Braniff International Airways is Grounded

Today, in 1982, one of the world's most iconic airlines, Braniff International Airways, ceased operations.

5/18/1981: International Air Bahama Ceases Operations

Today, in 1981, the independent passenger carrier International Air Bahama ceased operations.

5/17/1992: New Munich Airport Opens for Business

Today, in 1992, Erding North-based Munich Airport commenced its operations.

5/16/1942: Canadian Pacific Airlines Is Founded

Today, in 1942, the once well-known Canadian Pacific Airlines was officially formed.

5/15/2003: Government of Guernsey Acquires Aurigny

Today, in 2003, Aurigny Air Services was acquired for £5m by the States of Guernsey.

5/14/1997: Five Airlines Establish the Star Alliance

Today, in 1997, five airlines founded the Star Alliance, the world's first and largest airline alliance.

5/13/1970: 'Buffalo Joe' McBryan Founds Buffalo Airways

Today, in 1970, pilot Joe McBryan founded Buffalo Airways after purchasing it from legendary Arctic aviator Bob Gauchie.

5/11/1934: the Douglas DC-2 Takes Flight for the First Time

Today, in 1934, the Douglas DC-2 made its maiden flight. Douglas Test Pilot Carl Cover was in command.

5/10/1991: Maiden Flight of the Bombardier CRJ100

Today, in 1991, the Bombardier Canadair Regional Jet 100 took to the skies for the first time.

5/09/1967: Fokker’s F28 Fellowship Takes Flight

Today, in 1967, The Fokker F28-1000 Fellowship prototype took to the skies for its maiden flight.

5/08/2008: Isle of Man-based Euromanx Ceases Operations

Today, in 2008, Isle of Man-based EuroManx ceased operations. Here is its story.

5/07/1937: XC-35's First Successful Pressurized Airplane Cabin

Today in 1937, the first successful pressurized airplane cabin, tested in the Lockheed XC-35, revolutionized high-altitude flight.

5/06/2012: Solar Impulse 1 Maiden Intercontinental Flight

Today, in 2012, the world’s first solar-powered aircraft capable of flying day and night flew intercontinental.

5/05/1947: First Flight of Alitalia–Linee Aeree Italiane

Today, in 1947, the first Alitalia–Linee Aeree Italiane flight took off from Turin, Italy.

5/04/1979: Air Europe Commenced Operations

Today, in 1979, London Gatwick Airport-based Air Europe operated its maiden flight.

5/02/1966: BEA's First London Heathrow-Glasgow Jet Service

Today, in 1966, British European Airways launched its first jet service between London Heathrow and Glasgow.

5/01/1988: Thai Airways International Is Established

Today, in 1988, Thailand announced the merger of the country’s two national carriers to form TG.

4/30/1981: PEOPLExpress Commences Operations

Today, in 1981, American LCC PEOPLExpress began service with a Boeing 737 flight from Newark.

4/29/1988: The Prototype Boeing 747-400 Takes Flight

Today, in 1988, the world's first Boeing 747-400, N401PW, took to the skies for the first time.

4/28/1958: Aer Lingus' Maiden Transatlantic Flight

Today, in 1958, Aer Lingus operated its maiden transatlantic flight from Dublin to New York.

4/26/1972: Lockheed L-1011 Enters Commercial Service

Today, in 1972, Eastern Air Lines placed the Lockheed L-1011 TriStar into commercial service.

4/25/1935: Cambrian Airways is Established

Today, in 1935, the British airline Cambrian Airways was established as Cambrian Air Services.

4/24/1966: The Jet-Age Arrives at Washington National

Today, in 1966, the first scheduled jet services began at Washington’s National Airport.

4/22/1985: United's Purchase of Pan Am's Pacific Division

Today, in 1985, United Airlines announced that it was to buy Pan Am's Pacific division.

4/21/2001: Qantas New Zealand Is Grounded

Today, in 2001, Tasman Pacific Airlines, operating as Qantas New Zealand, suspended operations.

1/25/2020: Boeing 777X Completes Maiden Flight