ABSTRACT
Aviation started with the emergence of the combustion engine. The colonial powers in Europe were the next to discover the breathtaking potentials of aviation. Contact with the colonies could be reduced impressively by transporting mail by airplane, quickly followed by the need for transportation of persons as well. The turboprop engine found its application in short/medium haul aircraft, enabling airlines to develop domestic, regional and continental networks. This dual application of the jet principle, the turbojet for long distances and the turboprop for shorter flights paved the way to airline networks with the capital as home base in the middle. The commercial attractiveness of aviation has resulted in the creation of a multitude of airlines and airports. Even newer entrants from China and the Middle East, all operating from high capacity hub home airports, have entered the long-haul airline arena.
