Ford built America’s foundational airliner and then stopped making planes all together
- Ford revolutionized aviation with the Trimotor
- The Trimotor earned the nickname ‘Tin Goose’
- Ford exited the aviation industry in 1933
Published on Dec 04, 2024 at 2:34 PM (UTC+4)
by Daksh Chaudhary
Last updated on Dec 04, 2024 at 2:34 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Kate Bain
If you thought Ford was only associated with cars, it’s time to take you back to the 1920s.
It was a time when the company made a significant mark in aviation with the Ford Trimotor.
This plane, also known as the ‘Tin Goose,’ became America’s first mass-produced airliner and changed the way people thought about air travel.
Everything started in 1925 when Ford took over William Stout’s aviation company, bringing his vision of an all-metal plane to life.
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History of Ford’s only airliner – Ford Trimotor
The result? The one and only Ford Trimotor was created.
For its time, the plane was not only tough and unique in appearance but also more advanced than other planes.
When it comes to power, the plane featured an impressive 200-horsepower engine.
While that might seem modest by today’s standards, back in those days, it was a true powerhouse.
Soon, the aircraft became a beacon of U.S. commercial aviation.
In fact, the airlines like Pan Am, TWA, and Eastern Airlines used it for both mail and passenger services.
Ford also launched the Ford Air Transport Service in 1925, offering scheduled flights and leading the early US air transport routes.
However, things changed not long after, and Trimotor’s production declined after a few years.
Things changed with the Great Depression
The Great Depression, along with rising production costs, made it hard for Ford to keep up.
By 1933, the aviation division shut down, and Ford shifted its focus entirely back to automobiles.
This chapter of Ford’s history is just as overlooked as the story behind yellow Ferrari cars.
In total, nearly 200 Trimotors were built, and even after Ford’s exit from aviation, the plane continued to serve for mail and cargo transport.
While brands like Emirates now lead the industry with giants like the super luxurious Airbus A350, Ford’s contribution to aviation will never be forgotten.
