The 1950s was arguably the most interesting period in the history of commercial aviation, as the decade ushered in a host of innovative designs, as well as introducing the jet engine to revolutionise the market. As the decade opened there were a number of airlines still operating surplus wartime assets, most notably the Douglas DC-3, but also heavy bombers such as the Lancastrian which had been modified to passenger usage. Awaiting in the wings were several radial developments which would become extremely successful and become household names. The propellor-driven Vickers Viscount, Handley Page Herald, Fokker Friendship along with the Douglas DC-6 and DC-7 were all successful, before gradually giving way to the first jet-powered airliners such as Boeing 707, Douglas DC-8 and de Havilland Comet. The new, sleek jets conveyed passengers quietly, at greater altitude and at a much high speed, transforming air travel to the level of comfort which is taken for granted today.
Without doubt, the period 1950 to 1960 also introduced flamboyant colour schemes to the airline world, as the 1940s austerity evolved into a more profitable period where air travel slowly began to become cheaper and available to a wider audience. Within volume 1 of From Pistons to Jets, author Steve Hill has captured the essence of this magnificent decade where airliners of all shapes and sizes were to be seen at airports and aerodromes across Great Britain. Some were only seen briefly as they were manufactured here before being delivered to faraway destination to ply their trade. Others were daily visitors to the handful of passenger airports such as London Air Port, as Heathrow was not christened until 1966. Croydon, Gatwick, and Prestwick. Aerodromes such as Blackbushe, Filton, Hurn, Weybridge, Wisley and Woodley conducted manufacture or maintenance, with rarities to be seen during their brief periods at these venues. All too quickly the major players in the airline business transitioned to newer d