Jetliner: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word combines 'jet', referring to the jet engine technology, and 'liner', which indicates a service for regular passenger transport.
• The term became widely used in the mid-20th century as airlines transitioned from propeller-driven aircraft to jet-powered models.

Historical Origins

• The first jetliner, the de Havilland Comet, took to the skies in 1949, marking the dawn of the jet age.
• Boeing's 707, introduced in 1958, revolutionized air travel by making it more affordable and efficient.

Science & Technology

• Jetliners typically cruise at altitudes around 35,000 feet, where the air is thinner and contributes to fuel efficiency.
• Modern jetliners use advanced aerodynamics and technology to reduce fuel consumption, noise, and emissions.

Pop Culture

• Jetliners are often featured in movies, such as 'Airport' (1970) and 'Flight' (2012), which highlight the excitement and drama of air travel.
• Songs, like 'Leaving on a Jet Plane' by John Denver, capture the emotions of traveling by plane.

Economics

• The global airline industry relies heavily on jetliners, significantly influencing tourism and international trade.
• Jetliners are a major investment for airlines, with costs running into hundreds of millions of dollars for a single new aircraft.