What was the world's first scheduled passenger service?

Short answer

The first scheduled fixed-wing airline service in the United States was the St. Petersburg–Tampa Airboat Line, which began on 1 January 1914. Antony H. Jannus piloted the company's Benoist Type XIV on the inaugural flight between St. Petersburg and Tampa, about 23 miles (37 km).

Published: November 5, 2026 · Updated: November 5, 2026 · Edited by Above Ten Thousand · Editorial policy

What was the world's first scheduled passenger service?

Flying boat Benoist

An airline born from a three-month contract

The driving force behind the service was P. E. Fansler, who sought out Thomas W. Benoist to launch a line with his new airboats. A three-month contract was signed with the St. Petersburg board of trade. On 1 January 1914, the SPT Airboat Line became the first scheduled fixed-wing airline service in the United States.

The inaugural flight

Antony H. Jannus piloted the company's Benoist Type XIV on the inaugural flight between St. Petersburg and Tampa. The route covered about 23 miles (37 km).

The operation's track record

The St. Petersburg–Tampa Airboat Line was the first United States airline with scheduled service operated with a fixed-wing aircraft. From start to finish, the airline flew more than 7,000 miles (11,000 km), made 172 flights and carried 1,205 passengers.