De Havilland Comet 1949-97: An insight into the design, construction, operation and maintenance of the world's first jet airliner

Launched amid a blaze of British pride and technology, the beautiful de Havilland Comet was the world's first jet airliner. Its inaugural passenger-carrying flight in 1952 heralded a new era of luxurious, smooth and quiet air travel that was the envy of the world.