Flightpaths is the first book to look at the commercial airline industry in a holistic way explaining in simple language how the many parts - aviation history, aircraft manufacturing, aircraft technology, airline economics, aircraft testing and safety, airline alliances and environmental factors - interact and intertwine to produce a dynamic and vital industry. The perception that the cost of air travel today is sky-high is soundly challenged by comparing the relative increases over time with other commodities, such as the cost of housing, fuel, bread and milk. Flightpaths will show that the cost of flying has never been so cheap regardless of how far you fly.

Technology's phenomenal effect on aviation is explained and Flightpaths describes the pivotal role that technology has played in driving down costs and improving the performance of aircraft.

The phenomenal growth and lack of profitability in the airline industry is consistently underestimated by authorities and governments. This places immense strain on the industry's infra-structure, which for the air traveler results in long airport check-in queues and for airlines, in queues to takeoff or land. Flightpaths explains why this is so.

While it is not necessary to understand why a Rolls-Royce Trent jet engine can run at temperatures as high 1,600C - 300C higher than the melting point of its turbine blades - it is vital to understand the result - lower fares and shorter flight times.

Flightpaths will take you on a fascinating journey of discovery into the world's most misunderstood yet vital industry. The book is a magnificent photographic work that not only visually reinforces key points but is also a celebration of flight through the camera.

We sincerely hope that you enjoy Flightpaths and we welcome your feedback.

Flightpaths is a magnificent 240-page book printed on heavy 150 gsm paper, lavishly illustrated with over 300 stunning color images from some of the world's finest aviation photographers. Complex issues are simplified with magnificent easy-to-follow graphs by Aero Illustrations that in an instant give you a complete picture of key issues relating to airline fares and economics.