As Civil Aviation celebrates its 60th year, this series of seven programmes examines the impact of air travel on ourselves and the world we live in. Presented by Julian Pettifer
A candid, behind-the-scenes picture of a modern airline during a remarkable year...
United Airlines is the largest airline in the non-communist world. In 1978 like most airlines in the USA, United enjoyed a year which has become a landmark in aviation history. A tempting array of cut-price fares with names like 'Supersaver', 'Chickenfeed' and 'Peanuts' seduced a nation of air travellers into the skies as never before. For the airlines, the cash registers rang; for the passengers there were unprecedented delays, frustrations and overall chaos.
The American experience of 78 highlighted many of the problems in air travel today but, despite the traumas, airline executives are optimistic for the future.
Book (same title), published today, price £7.95, from bookshops