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Concorde
The Concorde was the first plane to ever carry passengers as a commercial plane. It was built in great Britain and France by the aircraft manufacturers. -
Boeing 747
The Boeing 747, made its first commercial flight in 1970, revolutionising air travel. It was introduced by Pan American World Airways, was the world's first wide-body jetliner and could carry more than twice the number of passengers as its predecessors. The 747 featured a distinctive hump on its upper deck, initially designed as a lounge area, which later became additional seating space. -
1980s Ryan Air
Ryanair, began its journey in 1980 with a single 15-seat aircraft, operating a route between Waterford and London Gatwick. Founded by the Ryan family, the airline aimed to provide affordable air travel options. Despite a modest start, Ryanair's commitment to low fares and efficient operations quickly gained traction, setting the stage for the future growth. Over the years, Ryanair has expanded significantly, becoming one of Europe's largest and most successful budget airlines. -
20 million people traveled abroad
In 1980, a significant milestone in global travel was reached when 20 million people ventured abroad, marking a substantial increase in international tourism. This surge in travel was driven by a combination of factors, including the growing affordability of air travel, the expansion of airline routes, and a rising global interest in exploring new cultures and destinations. This event highlighted the increasing accessibility of international travel and set the stage for what we see today. -
Easy jet launched
In 1994, easyJet was launched by entrepreneur Stelios Haji-Ioannou with the vision of making air travel more accessible and affordable for everyone. The airline started with a simple, no-frills business model, offering low-cost flights between London Luton and Glasgow. easyJet's innovative approach, which included direct booking via phone and later online, quickly gained popularity. Its bright orange branding and emphasis on cost-efficiency set it apart from traditional carriers. -
channel tunnel opened
In 1994, the Channel Tunnel, also known as the Eurotunnel, officially opened, creating a historic link between the United Kingdom and France. This engineering marvel spans approximately 31 miles beneath the English Channel, connecting Folkestone in the UK with Coquelles near Calais in France. The tunnel significantly reduced travel time between the two countries, facilitating the seamless movement of passengers and freight. -
9/11
The attack of September 11, 2001, was a tragic and pivotal event in modern history. On that day, terrorists from the extremist group al-Qaeda hijacked four commercial airplanes, crashing two into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City and one into the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. The attacks resulted in the deaths of nearly 3,000 people and led to significant changes in global security policies. The events of 9/11 left a lasting impact on the world. -
Indian ocean earthquake and tsunami
The Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami of 2004 was one of the deadliest natural disasters in recorded history. On December 26, a massive undersea earthquake with a magnitude of 9.1-9.3 struck off the coast of Sumatra, Indonesia. The earthquake triggered a series of devastating tsunamis that swept across the Indian Ocean, affecting 14 countries. The waves reached heights of up to 30 meters in some areas, leading to the loss of approximately 230,000 lives. -
Global recession
The global recession of 2008, often referred to as the Great Recession, was a severe worldwide economic downturn that began in the United States and quickly spread to other countries. Triggered by the collapse of the housing market and the subprime mortgage crisis, financial institutions faced significant losses, leading to a credit crunch. Major banks and corporations failed or required government bailouts, resulting in widespread unemployment and economic instability. -
Icelandic ash clouds
The Icelandic ash clouds in 2010 were caused by the eruption of the Eyjafjallajökull volcano, which began in April of that year. The eruption released a massive plume of ash into the atmosphere, disrupting air travel across Europe for several weeks. Over 100,000 flights were canceled, affecting millions of passengers and stranding travelers worldwide. The ash clouds posed significant risks to aviation safety, as the fine particles could damage aircraft engines. -
Paris terrorist attack
The Paris terrorist attacks of November 13, 2015, were a series of coordinated attacks carried out by the extremist group ISIS, targeting multiple locations in the city. The most devastating incidents occurred at the Bataclan concert hall, where gunmen took hostages and opened fire, resulting in the deaths of 90 people. Other attacks included shootings and bombings near cafes and the Stade de France, claiming a total of 130 lives and injuring hundreds more. -
Covid 19
COVID-19 had a profound impact on the travel industry, bringing it to a near standstill in 2020. As countries imposed lockdowns and travel restrictions to curb the spread of the virus, airlines faced unprecedented cancellations, leading to significant financial losses and layoffs. Hotels, restaurants, and tourism-dependent businesses also suffered as travelers canceled vacations and stayed home. The pandemic forced the industry to adapt quickly, implementing health protocols.