| Only a wishful fantasy a hundred years ago, the | | | | switching one's telephone service. |
| modern airline can now boast being one of the largest | | | | One of the greatest boons presented for the travelers |
| corporate industries around the world. Spurred on by | | | | was being able to fly from a smaller community by a |
| massive competition between the 'big three' jet | | | | commuter airline. Small town airports sprang up around |
| manufacturers - Lockheed, McDonnell Douglas, and | | | | the globe: one no longer needed to drive hundreds of |
| Boeing - the 20th century has given birth to this most | | | | miles to Chicago or Denver or London to catch a |
| technologically advanced industry. | | | | plane. Keeping up with a changing society, the airlines |
| However, these three corporate giants, located on the | | | | replaced 'stewardesses' with both male and female |
| West Coast of the United States, have met with stiff | | | | 'flight attendants.' |
| competition from specialized companies in Europe, | | | | The challenge of massive air-control for the crowded |
| such as Airbus Industrie. Airline manufacturers in Brazil, | | | | skies requires that the various airlines work |
| Australia, Canada and other parts of Europe have also | | | | harmoniously in planning and developing airports. These |
| increased the standards that are expected of a | | | | airports have become works of art with fountains that |
| modern airline. | | | | reach three stories up surrounded by luscious, peaceful |
| Airlines surged ahead with massive expansion and | | | | greenery to soothe the weary travelers. Luxurious |
| vigorous growth after the World War II. Then came | | | | lounges for frequent travelers who pay dues are |
| the world-wide recession during the early 1980s, | | | | available. Merry-go-rounds and child care can even be |
| forcing the airlines to engage in unique new patterns to | | | | found. |
| woo new customers onto their flights and keep the old | | | | Of course, inside the airliner itself is a world of |
| ones. Bankruptcies and mergers to avoid bankruptcy | | | | conveniences to take the traveler's minds off of the |
| became common fears on the stock markets. This | | | | time spent in the air. Individual movie screens can be |
| resulted in the aircraft manufacturers sinking fast and | | | | found for each person, along with a full schedule of |
| needing to make sharp reductions in production. The | | | | channels to choose from. An array of radio and music |
| flying customer became like almighty God to the | | | | choices are also there, along with whatever electronic |
| airlines - the savior from final dissolution. | | | | hook-ups one might need for their lap-top computers |
| Fare cutting battles delighted those who had become | | | | or cell phones. |
| dependant on airlines for business transportation and | | | | A hundred years ago the thought of flying from one |
| allowed the once-a-year traveler to become a traveler | | | | continent to another in a 'big bird' was fantasy, and the |
| during every major holiday. Frequent flyer clubs were | | | | current airline structure couldn't even have been |
| almost giving away toasters in order to sign new | | | | created in one's wildest dream. It pays to dream big! |
| customers on. The airlines began to join with telephone | | | | And to follow your dreams! |
| companies to offer an extra 1000 bonus miles for | | | | |