Aviation History

Latest History Posts

3/02/1969: Concorde Takes to the Skies

Today, the Aérospatiale/BAC Concorde, the turbojet-powered supersonic passenger airliner icon, first flew in 1969.

3/01/1986: Trans World Airlines, Ozark Announce Merger

Today, in 1986, TWA and Ozark Airlines announced their merger, giving TWA more U.S. cities and a midwest route network.

2/28/2008: Boston-Maine Airways Grounded

Today, in 2008, Boston-Maine Airways, operating as Pan Am Clipper Connection, ceased operations.

2/27/1995: Denver Stapleton Airport's Final Flight

Today, in 1995, Continental Airlines Flight 34 departed Denver's Stapleton Airport, its last commercial flight.

2/26/1970: Philippine Airlines is Founded

Today, in 1941, Philippine Airlines was founded as Philippine Air Lines. The flag carrier changes its name in 1970.

2/25/1920: World's First Air Traffic Control Tower

Today, in 1920, the world's first air traffic control tower opened at London's then-main airport, Croydon.

2/24/1957: World's First Commercial Trans-polar Flight

Today, in 1957, SAS Scandinavian Airline System commenced the world's first regular polar air service.

2/19/1982: Maiden Flight of the Boeing 757

Today, in 1982, the prototype Boeing 757 (N757A) took to the skies for the first time from Renton Municipal Airport.

2/23/1934: Lockheed Model 10 Electra Maiden Flight

Today, in 1934, the Lockheed Model 10 Electra took to the skies for the first time, test-piloted by Marshall Headle.

2/22/1993: McDonnell Douglas MD-90 Maiden Flight

Today, in 1993, the McDonnell Douglas MD-90 aircraft took to the skies for its maiden flight.

2/21/1971: ANA Spreads Its International Wings

Today, in 1971, Japanese carrier All Nippon Airways operated its first international air service to Hong Kong.

2/20/2005: British Airways' "Unairworthy" Flight 268

Today, in 2005, a British Airways Boeing 747-400's engine burst into flames after taking off from Los Angeles LAX.

2/18/1956: Finnair Flies to Moscow after World War II

Today, in 1956, Finnair became the first Western airline to begin commercial flights to Moscow after World War II.

2/17/2005: Central Japan International Airport Opens

Today, in 2005, Chubu Centrair (Central Japan) International Airport officially opened.

2/16/2019: UK Regional Carrier flybmi Ends Ops

Today, in 2019, UK regional operator flybmi filed for "unavoidable" administration and ceased operations.

2/15/1946: Maiden Flight of the Douglas DC-6

Today, in 1946, The Douglas DC-6 took to the skies for the first time in Long Beach, California.

2/14/2010: Hola Airlines Ceases Operations

Today, in 2010, Palma de Mallorca-based Spanish airline Hola Airlines ceased operations.

2/13/2006: Rockhopper Rebrands as Blue Islands

Today, in 2006, Channel Island-based Rockhopper was rebranded as Blue Islands.

2/12/2012: PEOPLExpress MK. II Is Founded

Today, in 2012, US low-cost carrier PEOPLExpress MK. II was launched in Virginia.

2/11/1958: First US African-American FA Takes Flight

Today, in 1958, Ruth Carol Taylor, the first U.S. African American FA, starts to perform her duties.

2/10/1996: Edelweiss Air Commences Operations

Today, in 1996, Swiss leisure airline Edelweiss Air operated its maiden flight.

2/09/1969: The Queen of the Skies Takes Flight

Today, in 1969, the prototype Boeing 747 took to the skies for the first time from Seattle, WA.

2/08/2010: Maiden Flight of the Boeing 747-8F

Today, in 2010, the Boeing 747-8F performed its maiden flight after high-speed and taxiing tests.

2/07/1934: First New Zealand-Australia Airmail Flight

Today, in 1934, The first official airmail flight occurred between New Zealand and Australia.

2/05/1972: Aeroflot, Lufthansa Launch Joint Service

Today, in 1972, Aeroflot and Lufthansa jointly launched flights between Moscow and Frankfurt.

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