One hundred years ago, the 1920s marked a transformative period in aviation history, particularly in Europe, where airfreight and long-distance flights saw significant advances. This decade witnessed the integration of cargo and passenger transport, pioneering transcontinental flights and the emergence of notable aviation figures who would leave lasting legacies.

In the aftermath of World War I, Europe experienced a surplus of aircraft and trained pilots, which catalysed the growth of commercial aviation. Airlines began to explore the potential of combining passenger and cargo services to maximise profitability. The French airline Société Générale de Transports Aériens (SGTA) inaugurated a Paris-Brussels route in 1920, utilising Farman F.60 Goliath aircraft capable of carrying both passengers and freight. Similarly, the Compagnie des Messageries Aériennes (CMA), established in 1919 by aviation pioneers including Louis Blériot and Louis Renault, operated routes between Paris, Lille, and London transporting mail, goods and passengers.

The integration of cargo and passenger transport on the same aircraft became a common practice during the 1920s. Technological advancements led to more reliable aircraft, enabling longer flights and the crossing of bodies of water. This period also saw the establishment of regular air services connecting major European cities, facilitating the movement of high-value, low-volume goods more efficiently than traditional rail or sea transport.

Pioneering transcontinental flights

The 1920s were marked by several ground-breaking flights that expanded the horizons of aviation and demonstrated the potential of air travel for connecting distant continents.

The first flight from Europe to Africa happened on March 20, 1920. Two South African pilots, Pierre van Ryneveld and Quintin Brand, completed the first flight from London to Cape Town. Despite facing numerous challenges, including multiple aircraft crashes and forced landings, they persevered and reached their destination, covering a distance of over 7,000 miles. This journey showcased the potential for air routes connecting Europe to the African continent.

Seven years later, the first solo non-stop transatlantic flight was undertaken by American aviator Charles Lindbergh who made history on May 21, 1927. Piloting the Spirit of St. Louis, Lindbergh flew from New York to Paris in 33.5 hours, covering a distance of approximately 3,600 miles. This monumental flight captured the world’s imagination and demonstrated the possibilities of long-distance air travel.

The following year, the first East-to-West transatlantic flight was undertaken by German aviation pioneer Ehrenfried Günther Freiherr von Hünefeld, along with pilots Hermann Köhl and James C. Fitzmaurice. They accomplished the first east-to-west transatlantic flight in April 1928 flying from Ireland to Canada in the Junkers W 33 aircraft named Bremen, overcoming the challenges posed by prevailing winds and weather conditions. In this decade, many European nations repurposed military aircraft for civilian and commercial use. Large bombers, such as the Farman F.60 Goliath, were converted into transport planes for both passengers and cargo.

The first airlines in Europe were heavily focused on airmail services, as letters and small parcels were lightweight and profitable. Airports were still basic, often repurposed military airfields with minimal infrastructure for handling cargo.

Early airlines and routes

While numbers of civil airlines were launched in that decade, Société Générale de Transports Aériens (SGTA) (France) and Compagnie des Messageries Aériennes (CMA) were among the first to provide regular cargo services.

Deutsche Luft Hansa (founded in 1926) played a key role in establishing airfreight in Germany, offering mail and parcel transport. Imperial Airways (UK) was a major operator, particularly focused on mail and cargo to the British Empire.

Airfreight was primarily used for mail, newspapers, diplomatic documents, medical supplies, and luxury goods like jewellery or high-end textiles.

The aircraft of the time had limited cargo capacity compared to rail and maritime transport. Flights were often delayed due to weather conditions, as navigation technology was still rudimentary. Cargo handling was manual, and there were no standardised loading techniques or containers.

Like today, airfreight allowed businesses to transport urgent goods quickly, especially for industries like finance, medicine, and publishing. It also helped lay the foundation for international air cargo services in later decades.

By the end of the 1920s, airfreight was becoming a viable alternative to traditional transport methods, though it remained without substantial freight facilities around the world.

London calling

Croydon Aerodrome, which became operational as London’s primary airport on March 29, 1920, played a pivotal role in the early development of air cargo services in the United Kingdom. The airport’s initial facilities were adapted from former World War I airfields, specifically Beddington and Waddon Aerodromes.

In 1928, a significant redevelopment introduced a new terminal building, officially opened on May 2, 1928, by Lady Maude Hoare. This terminal was among the first to integrate various airport functions, including passenger services, air traffic control, and meteorological departments, into a single facility. While these developments highlight Croydon’s importance in early commercial aviation, specific records detailing the exact opening date of a dedicated cargo warehouse at Croydon Aerodrome are not readily available.

Similarly, information regarding subsequent cargo warehouses established in Europe during the same period is scarce. The early years of aviation primarily focused on passenger transport and airmail services, with dedicated cargo facilities evolving later as the demand for airfreight increased.

In fact, determining the exact number of airports in Europe during the 1920s and 1930s is challenging due to limited historical records and the evolving nature of aviation infrastructure during that period.

1920s: Emergence of civilian airports

After World War I, many military airfields were repurposed for civilian use, marking the beginning of commercial aviation in Europe. Hamburg Airport was established in 1911, making it one of the world’s oldest commercial airports. Bucharest Aurel Vlaicu Airport opened in 1912, it became a hub for early commercial flights. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol began as a military airbase in 1916 and transitioned to civilian use in 1920.

By the late 1920s, several European cities had established airports to accommodate the growing interest in air travel. For instance, Tempelhof Airport in Berlin became a significant hub, with 71 routes connecting to various cities by 1930, making it the largest airport in Europe in terms of passenger volume. Gatwick Airport (United Kingdom): The Surrey Aero Club began recreational flights from Gatwick Race Course in 1930, laying the foundation for what would become a major international airport.

While precise numbers are unavailable, it’s evident that the interwar period was marked by significant growth in European aviation infrastructure, transitioning from a handful of military airfields to a more extensive network of commercial airports.

European aviation underwent significant transformation during the 1920s through the combination of airfreight and passenger services alongside transcontinental flights and pioneering figures who pushed air travel to new limits. The advancements of this time established the essential groundwork for today’s global air transport systems.