The world's first commercial jetliner, the de Havilland Comet, departs Hatfield airfield for delivery to BOAC (British Overseas Airways Company)
The British Overseas Airways Company (BOAC) receives their first delivery of the de Havilland Comet, the world's first commercial jetliner. Employees working at de Havilland gather to witness the departure of the aircraft from the company's Hatfield airfield aerodrome (Hatfield, Hertfordshire; 3NM NE of St Albans). The de Havilland chief test pilot, John "Cats Eyes" Cunningham, climbs the airstair to board the aircraft. The BOAC de Havilland Comet airplane, registered G-ALYP ("Yoke Peter"), taxis for takeoff. The de Havilland Comet airplane takes off from the airfield. The Comet jet airplane in flight. Location: Hertfordshire England United Kingdom. Date: April 2, 1951.