The Evolution of the Airline Industry

This book gives a brief but concise narrative on the evolution of the airline industry from its beginnings to the present day. The focus is on regulations, historic events and influencing factors that shaped the industry. Starting with the Wright Flyer, the book details the early conventions and regulatory framework, the development of the commercial airline industry through the 1930s, World War II and the Chicago Convention, that created the current regulatory framework of the industry. The book then goes into the regulated and protectionist era and developments that eventually led to the deregulation and liberalization of the industry. At this point, the industry transcended from heavy government involvement to an industry driven by economic factors. Following this change, the industry experienced unprecedented growth leading to the formation of the so-called Sixth Freedom airlines, the airline alliances and the low-cost and ultra-low-cost carriers. This book is an excellent guide to how the airline industry evolved into what it is today.