Commercial Aviation History: What went wrong?
Today, the commercial aviation history tells a story of growth, challenges, and transformation. Flying is known to be the fastest and safest way to travel. Yet, many would say that it is quite the stressful experience. But it wasn’t always like that. Imagine, there used to be a time when people looked forward to getting on a plane. And we’re not just talking about getting on a private jet. We mean people used to actually LIKE flying commercial coach as well!
Let’s take a look at the past and the events that have influenced the commercial aviation industry to this day.
The Glamorous Beginnings
The commercial aviation history of the 1950s and 60s was characterized by luxury and high service standards. Those were THE glamorous beginnings when flying was seen as a luxurious experience with people dressing up as if they’re going to the fanciest restaurant in town – which would make sense considering the high service airlines were offering to all passengers on board. So what was it really like to fly during the Elvis era? Back then, traveling as a passenger would have meant enjoying large, delectable meals, comfortable seats, and first-rate service. You could see your friend off at the gate, you didn’t have long waits, and nobody screamed at you to take off your shoes. Can you believe that flight attendants even wore white gloves?
This era saw the rise of big names like Howard Hughes, the eccentric playboy and business magnate. He took control of Trans World Airlines, better known as TWA and turned it into a symbol of high-end travel and innovation. Juan Trippe, a slightly more down-to-earth American entrepreneur, led Pan Am to set up new flight routes, including the first one across the Atlantic. Of course, we can’t not mention Aristotle Onassis, the Greek business magnate who took over Greece’s flag carrier Olympic Airways, and turned it into a global icon of luxury, prestige, and sex appeal.
So what happened next?
A Delta Air Lines Convair in flight, in 1960 shortly after delivery.
PanAm Douglas DC-4 “Clipper Twilight”, Piarco Airport, Trinidad in the 1950s, Author – John Hill
The Era of Change
Building on the successes of decades prior, the beginning of the 70s was when the “jet-set” reached its peak. Planes were getting safer, quieter, and service levels continued to go up. You could arrive at the airport less than an hour before take off and catch your plane or just hop on the next one available. Even flying coach meant you got a three course meal and drink.
Things really started changing in the late 70s. This is when airlines in the US were deregulated by congress. The idea behind was to make flying more accessible to the general public which meant that ticket prices dropped. This increased the competition between companies which followed with airlines providing less legroom, having more seats, fewer amenities and a drop in overall service quality.
Of course, lower prices and competition are great things, and it is amazing how much more accessible flying became. But it was no longer going to be the same experience. The golden era of comfort had come to an end.
First Lady Pat Nixon christened the first commercial 747 on January 15, 1970.
The Rise of Low-Cost Carriers: 1990s
The 1990s saw the rise of low-cost carriers like Ryanair in Europe and Southwest in the U.S., marking another major shift in commercial aviation history. These airlines offered very low prices gutting all that was associated with traditional carries. This meant a ticket which gets you from point A to B – 0 perks included.
This change made flying much more affordable while cutting off the top-notch service which it was associated with before. The planes became cramped, people had to pay extra for baggage or in-flight snacks, and flight attendants no longer wore gloves.
The Impact of 9/11: Stricter Security Measures
On that day, terrorists were able to bypass the “invisible” security measures in place at the time and hijack four planes. This event transformed security procedures around the world to avoid similar attacks in the future. In recent commercial aviation history, low-cost carriers and new security measures have transformed the flying experience.
And transform they did. In addition to (hopefully) enhancing security, the necessary measures added a lot of inconvenience and stress to flying. After 9/11, boarding an airplane required waiting in lengthy lines at security checkpoints that could exceed an hour. Now, even entering many airports requires every individual to undergo a mandatory security check that involves a full body scan as well as baggage screening.
Of course, these measures must’ve done something to enhance safety in the air. But, the trajectory of declining service standards has only hastened. Forget about lounging in plush leather chairs, nowadays, you’ll be lucky if you are even able to bring a water bottle on board.
COVID-19: A New Set of Challenges
In the course of the last years, the COVID crisis directly hit all the airline companies, leaving each on its own to deal with the consequences of it and to remain competitive in the market. Travel bans, quarantine rules, and fewer passengers led to huge challenges.
The aviation industry faced significant losses, not just in terms of the human factor but also through material losses as many workers were laid off. In addition to this challenge, top companies had to find ways to remain the best and become the first choice for consumers when booking flights.
Flight attendants were on the front lines, at risk due to tourism and travel. They worked in uncertainty, not knowing if they would have a job the next day. They traveled daily and came into contact with hundreds of people. Some passengers behaved irresponsibly, even using physical force, often refusing to wear masks or follow the rules. In one incident, a flight attendant was physically attacked after asking a passenger to follow safety measures.
Onboard services were minimized to reduce contact, and health and safety protocols were strictly enforced. The pandemic brought unpleasant situations, with flight attendants yelling at passengers and widespread hysteria. However, the pandemic also accelerated the adoption of digital solutions, such as contactless check-ins and advanced technology, which are still in use today.
While the commercial aviation industry is gradually recovering from the pandemic, COVID-19 has permanently changed the way we fly, placing a high priority on health and safety.
The Future: Is there Room for Improvement?
Since the first commercial flight in 1914 the commercial aviation industry has come a long way. Yet, it is evident that in order to satisfy the changing demands of their customers, airlines must innovate and improve their offerings. Long security lines, claustrophobic seats, and a lack of in-flight entertainment choices are common for passengers these days. Furthermore, the future of flying requires addressing environmental issues through sustainable practices and more environmentally friendly technologies. One day, we hope, every passenger will find their flight to be just as enjoyable as the destination.
