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 3: Opening the Routes
This programme tells the story from the very beginning, in 1919, when airline pilots followed the railway lines and expected to make forced landings on every trip. But hazardous journeys in wood and fabric bi-planes developed into the comfort and reliability of the Empire flying-boats. The search for new passengers led to exclusive service on the ground and in the air.
Air travel today makes better sense when thrown into relief by what came before, bearing in mind that when something is gained, something else is always lost.
Film cameraman EUGENE CARR
Film recordist MERVYN BROADWAY Film editor DAVID THOMAS
Executive producer RICHARD CAWSTON Produced by HARRY Hastings