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Messageries Aériennes (CMA) were among the first to provide regular cargo services. Deutsche Luft Hansa (founded in 1926)


played a key role in establishing airfreight in Germany, offering mail and parcel transport. Imperial Airways (UK) was a major operator, particularly focused on mail and cargo to the British Empire. Airfreight was primarily used for mail,


newspapers, diplomatic documents, medical supplies, and luxury goods like jewellery or high-end textiles. The aircraft of the time had limited cargo compared


capacity to rail


cargo warehouses established in Europe during the same period is scarce. The early years of aviation primarily


focused on passenger


transport and airmail services, with dedicated cargo facilities evolving later as the demand for airfreight increased. In


fact, determining the exact number


of airports in Europe during the 1920s and 1930s is challenging due to limited historical records and the evolving nature of aviation infrastructure during that period.


and maritime


transport. Flights were often delayed due to weather conditions, as navigation technology was still


rudimentary. Cargo handling was


manual, and there were no standardised loading techniques or containers. Like today, airfreight allowed businesses


to transport urgent goods quickly, especially for industries like finance, medicine, and publishing.


It also helped lay the foundation


for international air cargo services in later decades. By the end of the 1920s, airfreight was


becoming a viable alternative to traditional transport methods, though it remained without substantial freight facilities around the world.


London calling Croydon Aerodrome, which became operational as London’s primary airport on March 29, 1920, played a pivotal role in the early development of air cargo services in the United Kingdom. The airport’s initial facilities were adapted from former World War I airfields, specifically Beddington and Waddon Aerodromes. In 1928, a significant redevelopment


introduced a new terminal building, officially opened on May 2, 1928, by Lady Maude Hoare. This terminal was among the first to integrate various airport functions, including passenger services, air traffic control, and meteorological departments, into a single facility. While these developments highlight Croydon’s importance in early commercial aviation, specific records detailing the exact opening date of a dedicated cargo warehouse at Croydon Aerodrome are not readily available. Similarly, information regarding subsequent


1920s: Emergence of civilian airports After World War I, many military airfields were repurposed for civilian use, marking the beginning of commercial aviation in Europe. Hamburg Airport was established in 1911, making it one of the world’s oldest commercial airports. Bucharest Aurel Vlaicu Airport opened in 1912, it became a hub for early commercial flights. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol began as a military airbase in 1916 and transitioned to civilian use in 1920. By the late 1920s, several European cities


had established airports to accommodate the growing interest in air travel. For instance, Tempelhof Airport in Berlin became a significant hub, with 71 routes connecting to various cities by 1930, making it the largest airport in Europe in terms of passenger volume. Gatwick Airport (United Kingdom): The Surrey Aero Club began recreational flights from Gatwick Race Course in 1930, laying the foundation for what would become a major international airport. While precise numbers are unavailable, it’s


evident that the interwar period was marked by significant


growth in European aviation


infrastructure, transitioning from a handful of military airfields to a more extensive network of commercial airports.


Conclusion European


transformation aviation alongside the during


underwent the


1920s


significant through


the combination of airfreight and passenger services


transcontinental essential groundwork flights


and pioneering figures who pushed air travel to new limits. The advancements of this time established


today’s global air transport systems for


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