First Successful Transatlantic Flight East to West
April 14th, 1928
April 14th, 1928

How Long Ago?
96 years, 11 months, 1 day ago
Location
Greenly Island, Canada
Category
Transportation & Infrastructure
People
- Hermann Koehl
- Georg W. von Huenefeld
- James Fitzmaurice
Links & References
Tags
First Successful Transatlantic Flight East to West
The Bremen, a German Junkers W 33 aircraft, made aviation history by successfully completing the first east-to-west transatlantic flight. Piloted by Hermann Koehl, along with crew members Georg W. von Huenefeld and James Fitzmaurice, the flight took them from Germany to Greenly Island in Canada. The journey showcased the capabilities of early aviation and marked a significant achievement in intercontinental flight, overcoming various challenges during the long voyage.
First east-to-west transatlantic flight
Piloted by Hermann Koehl and crew
Traveled over 3,000 miles in 36 hours
Marked advancements in aviation technology
What Happened?
The Bremen, a German Junkers W 33 aircraft, became the first plane to fly successfully across the Atlantic Ocean from east to west. Piloted by Hermann Koehl, along with Georg W. von Huenefeld and James Fitzmaurice, the crew took off from Lübeck, Germany, on 12 April 1928. After encountering adverse weather conditions, fuel shortages, and technical difficulties during the flight, they managed to navigate the unpredictable conditions over the vast ocean. On 14 April, the aircraft successfully landed on Greenly Island, Canada, marking a pivotal moment in the history of aviation. The distance covered was over 3,000 miles, emphasizing the growing potential for long-distance air travel.The trip took a total of 36 hours and included several critical moments, such as the need for precise navigation with limited prior experience in transatlantic flights. Koehl's team relied on their skills, ingenuity, and perseverance to achieve their goal. Upon their arrival, the pilots were received with enthusiasm and admiration, as they brought a new era for commercial and civilian aviation. This flight proved that longer flights could be accomplished safely, encouraging developments in aviation technology and the establishment of transatlantic air routes.The significance of The Bremen’s journey extended beyond just the successful flight; it also contributed to the international recognition of German aviation prowess. This successful expedition fostered public interest in air travel and highlighted the ongoing advancements in aircraft technology during the late 1920s. Subsequently, various airlines adapted and improved their flight routes, paving the way for regular transatlantic services in the following decades.
Why Does it Matter?
The successful flight of The Bremen is noteworthy as it demonstrated the feasibility of long-distance air travel and significantly influenced the aviation industry. It sparked increased interest in commercial aviation, enhancing the development of aeronautical technologies and leading to the establishment of regular transatlantic flights.
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