Legacy
In 1954, there were 35 million enplanements in the United States. In 2013, there were 743 million enplanements - 20 times the previous amount. The reasons for this increase are manifold, but one reason is certainly Trippe’s introduction of tourist/economy class, followed by the 747.
Tourist class’ attractive low fares, declining operating costs thanks to jet engines, and the 400+ passenger capacity of the 747 enabled more people to experience flight than ever before.
[Trippe] persevered and did introduce economy programs. This of course accelerated greatly in later years, particularly during deregulation, and airplane tickets are one of the few things that have trended downward in cost over the years.
— John Hill, E-mail interview
On May 20, 1939, Pan Am’s propeller-powered Clipper departed New York, arriving in Marseille two stops and 29 hours later. Today, Air France’s jet-engined A380 departs New York, arriving in Paris 6.5 hours later.
This massive reduction in flying time wouldn’t have been possible without jets. However, they had a rough start; the de Havilland Comet crashes worried the public about their safety. Trippe still believed in them, though. With his purchase of 45 707s, he “re-launched” the jet age.
In the end, Juan Trippe and Pan Am left a permanent mark on not just the airline industry, but on society as a whole.
It is a very general statement, but essentially, Pan Am “did it all.” When most people/companies scoffed at the risks, Pan Am and Trippe took them. They were the first to establish a transatlantic and transpacific routes, they ushered in the Jet Age, and they had the first international electronics reservation system. Many air routes that Pan Am flew were in essence, established by the company.
— Steve Hersh, E-mail interview
When thinking of Pan Am it is important to realize that it was not just another airline. Pan Am invented long-range, over-water transport flying in fixed wing aircraft (heavier-than-air). The aircraft, avionics, and operating methods that Pan Am introduced became a blueprint for the commercial aviation industry and the foundation upon which today’s global air system was built.
— John Hill, E-mail interview