| Only a wishful fantasy a hundred years ago, | | | | service. |
| the modern airline can now boast being one of | | | | |
| the largest corporate industries around the | | | | One of the greatest boons presented for the |
| world. Spurred on by massive competition | | | | travelers was being able to fly from a |
| between the big three jet manufacturers | | | | smaller community by a commuter airline. |
| Lockheed, McDonnell Douglas, and Boeing the | | | | Small town airports sprang up around the |
| 20th century has given birth to this most | | | | globe: one no longer needed to drive hundreds |
| technologically advanced industry. | | | | of miles to Chicago or Denver or London to |
| | | | catch a plane. Keeping up with a changing |
| However, these three corporate giants, | | | | society, the airlines replaced stewardesses |
| located on the West Coast of the United | | | | with both male and female flight attendants. |
| States, have met with stiff competition from | | | | |
| specialized companies in Europe, such as | | | | The challenge of massive air-control for the |
| Airbus Industrie. Airline manufacturers in | | | | crowded skies requires that the various |
| Brazil, Australia, Canada and other parts of | | | | airlines work harmoniously in planning and |
| Europe have also increased the standards that | | | | developing airports. These airports have |
| are expected of a modern airline. | | | | become works of art with fountains that reach |
| | | | three stories up surrounded by luscious, |
| Airlines surged ahead with massive expansion | | | | peaceful greenery to soothe the weary |
| and vigorous growth after the World War II. | | | | travelers. Luxurious lounges for frequent |
| Then came the world-wide recession during the | | | | travelers who pay dues are available. |
| early 1980s, forcing the airlines to engage | | | | Merry-go-rounds and child care can even be |
| in unique new patterns to woo new customers | | | | found. |
| onto their flights and keep the old ones. | | | | |
| Bankruptcies and mergers to avoid bankruptcy | | | | Of course, inside the airliner itself is a |
| became common fears on the stock markets. | | | | world of conveniences to take the travelers |
| This resulted in the aircraft manufacturers | | | | minds off of the time spent in the air. |
| sinking fast and needing to make sharp | | | | Individual movie screens can be found for |
| reductions in production. The flying customer | | | | each person, along with a full schedule of |
| became like almighty God to the airlines the | | | | channels to choose from. An array of radio |
| savior from final dissolution. | | | | and music choices are also there, along with |
| | | | whatever electronic hook-ups one might need |
| Fare cutting battles delighted those who had | | | | for their lap-top computers or cell phones. |
| become dependant on airlines for business | | | | |
| transportation and allowed the once-a-year | | | | A hundred years ago the thought of flying |
| traveler to become a traveler during every | | | | from one continent to another in a big bird |
| major holiday. Frequent flyer clubs were | | | | was fantasy, and the current airline |
| almost giving away toasters in order to sign | | | | structure couldnt even have been created in |
| new customers on. The airlines began to join | | | | ones wildest dream. It pays to dream big! And |
| with telephone companies to offer an extra | | | | to follow your dreams! |
| 1000 bonus miles for switching ones telephone | | | | |