How Europe’s First Airlines Launched Commercial Air Travel

Commercial aviation began in Europe soon after the First World War. In July 1919, Britain’s R34 airship became the first aircraft to carry passengers across the Atlantic, travelling from Scotland to New York and back. That same year, Aircraft Transport and Travel began pioneering passenger and airmail routes between Britain and mainland Europe. Its London–Paris service became the world’s first daily international air service. Other early operators, including Handley Page Transport and French airlines such as Farman and Aéropostale, soon expanded passenger, mail and cargo flights across the continent. Germany, the Netherlands, Finland and the Soviet Union also developed early airline networks. KLM launched its first flight in 1920 and remains the oldest airline still operating under its original name. These early airlines prioritised passenger comfort, but weather and limited navigation technology often caused delays.

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