AFJROTC Commercial and General Aviation Take Off Practice Exam

What was the world's first jet airliner?

1. Concorde

2. De Havilland Comet

3. Boeing 707

4. McDonnell Douglas DC-8

The correct answer is: De Havilland Comet

The De Havilland Comet holds the distinction of being the world's first jet airliner, which debuted in the early 1950s. This aircraft was a pioneering development in aviation, as it was the first to use turbojet engines for commercial passenger service. The introduction of the Comet marked a significant advancement in commercial aviation, allowing for faster and more efficient flight compared to propeller-driven aircraft of the time. The Comet's design included features such as a pressurized cabin and hedged wings, which were innovative at that point in aviation history. Its initial flights began in 1949, which set a precedent for subsequent jet airliners and changed the landscape of global air travel. Other aircraft mentioned, such as the Concorde, Boeing 707, and McDonnell Douglas DC-8, followed after the Comet and built upon its foundation in jet air travel. The Concorde was a supersonic passenger airliner introduced later, while the Boeing 707 and DC-8 were among the first wide-body airliners that further improved jet travel in the late 1950s. However, none preceded the De Havilland Comet in entering commercial service as a jet airliner.