Article: Airline Industry

AIRLINE INDUSTRY


On December 17, 1913, in St. Petersburg, Florida, the first airline contract in United States history was signed. Salesman and motorboat racer Percival E. Fansler knew that the city of St. Petersburg was dependent upon the winter tourist trade for its economic survival. In order to reach St. Petersburg from Tampa, tourists had a choice of travelling two hours across Tampa Bay by steamer, a 12-hour train ride, or a day trip by automobile over rough terrain. Fansler believed that by air, the trip from Tampa to St. Petersburg would only take 20 minutes. Fansler shared his idea with a pioneer aircraft manufacturer, Thomas W. Benoist. Enthusiastic St. Petersburg business ...

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