This day in history...July 1

An absolute bumper edition today. In fact so much I should have started writing a few days ago!

It is very nearly a century ago we start our journey as the first commercial flight by Sabena between Brussels and London took place in 1923.

Next up is the restarting of operations by Alitalia in 1947

The following year the first flight from Idlewild (then a golf course) was completed

1958 saw Wideroe drop the 'Polarfly' suffix.

British United Airways was formed today in 1960.

Another airline formation, this time in Africa as Zambia Airways is born in 1964.

1979 saw North Central Airlines and Southern Airways merge to form Republic Airlines.

Another restarting airline was Corse Air in 1981

An colourful airline was lost in 1987 when Air Cal was merged into American Airlines.

An aviation revolution in China saw CAAC becoming a controlling body with new airlines being created to operate from different parts of the country.

1990 now and over in Australia National Jet Systems commenced operations

Taiwan now and in 1991 EVA Air commenced operations.

Six years later and back in Europe Eurolot began regular scheduled services.

2004 saw the start of Vueling from Spain.

Indonesian operator Tri MG saw its AOC suspended in 2008.

A quick diversion to Canada now to witness the launch of Air Canada Rouge services in 2013...

...before we return to Indonesia to see yet another failure. Tigerair Mandala. Photo copyright by my good friend Spencer Bennett.

We finish of in Europe with a couple of Airbus operators. Firstly Italian outfit fly Ernest starting operations in 2016.

Followed by the new Cyprus Airways in 2017.