The Sydney Opera house finally opens after construction had begun in 1959, US President Nixon declares that he is "Not a Crook", and the Carpenters climb to the top of the charts with "Top of the World". The Sting wins the Oscar for Best Picture and in New Zealand a pint of milk costs 4 cents.

It was also in 1973 that I ( much younger then ) took my first flight. It was from Wellington to Auckland and it took an hour for the 737 to fly 100 people northwards.

28 years later 737 Aircraft are still flying 100 people from Wellington to Auckland in one hour.

In those same 28 years technology has changed the face of most industries. The practical applications now available from computers, telephones and the like could only have been dreamed about in the 70's. Seemingly the benefits technology has bought to the aviation industry has been slow in comparison.

Currently Boeing and Airbus - the world's two major aircraft manufacturers, are working on projects that will have a significant impact on the way passengers and freight may travel in future.

Boeing is developing the Sonic Cruiser. Flying at Mach 0.95 or faster the Sonic Cruiser will take between 100 - 300 passengers and have a range greater than 9000 nautical miles. Cruising at 40,000 feet will mean it will fly above other air traffic and should ensure a smoother ride. Flight times should be reduced by up to 20% of normal commercial aircraft.

Airbus have gone for bigger rather than faster. The A380 will carry 555 Passengers up to 8000 nautical miles. Scheduled to make it's first flight in 2004, and to operate commercially by 2006, Airports around the world are being forced to consider the impact that 555 passengers arriving at once will have.

So in the near future expect to see new strange looking aircaft in the skies. In the meantime - even though you may still be in a plane that looks very similar to earlier models, sit back in comfort knowing that the technical bits are probably quite advanced - and the pilot can cruise the internet while cruising the skies !!!!

Next month - The increasing role of All-Freighter aircraft.