Which aircraft became the first commercial jet airliner when BOAC introduced it in 1952?

The de Havilland Comet became the first commercial jet airliner when BOAC introduced it in 1952. The British aircraft made jet-powered passenger travel a commercial reality before other famous jetliners entered service.

The Comet was faster and quieter than piston-powered airliners, and its pressurized cabin offered passengers a smoother high-altitude journey. BOAC began the first scheduled Comet service on May 2, 1952, from London to Johannesburg, with intermediate stops.

Several early Comet accidents were traced to metal fatigue around the aircraft’s square passenger-window corners. The resulting redesign introduced more rounded windows and strengthened structures. Although these setbacks interrupted the original Comet fleet, the lessons influenced later aircraft design and helped establish more rigorous approaches to pressurized-airframe testing.