BOAC Comet Jetliner

In the years following the end of WWII, tourism became bigger than ever before. Advances in airplane production allowed flying to become cheaper and easier for the middle class, and airlines became extremely competitive with one another. This competition sparked some of the best advertising graphics of the 1950s and '60s, and this poster is a wonderful example. BOAC shows us in this image a cutaway view of their newest plane, the 1952 BOAC Comet Jetliner. The exterior view shows it high above the atmosphere, while inside we can see the travelers relaxing in comfort.

The BOAC Comet, also known as the de Havilland Comet, was the first commercial jet-fueled engine plane and was one of the first of its kind used for commercial flights post-war. It was a sensation at the time for its quiet flight, higher altitude, and faster arrival time. Unfortunately, the plane had several defects that resulted in multiple tragic and deadly crashes. It was grounded from use, and replaced by the Boeing 707.

BOAC (British Overseas Airways Corporation) was a British airline owned by the British government. It was founded in 1939 after the merger of Imperial Airways and British Airways Ltd. During WWII, BOAC kept Britain connected with its colonies and the allied world. The airline traveled around the world to many destinations. BOAC was operative and traveling overseas until 1974; it then merged with BEA (British European Airways) which evolved into today’s British Airways.

This is an Original Vintage Poster; it is not a reproduction. This poster is conservation mounted, linen backed, and in excellent condition. We guarantee the authenticity of all of our posters.