Aviation can be defined as flying or operating aircraft. Aviation, the development and operation of heavier-than-air aircraft, deals with travel by air, specifically in an airplane. The aviation industry's duties include designing, producing, and keeping commercial and cargo airplanes in good condition. In addition, the military aviation industry focuses on military airplanes.

Aviation's history can be traced back to December 17, 1903, when the Wright brothers, Orville Wright (August 19, 1871-January 30, 1948) and Wilbur Wright (April 16, 1867-May 30, 1912) made the world's first successful human-carrying, engine-powered, and heavier-than-air flight in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. In 1904, the Wright brothers developed the "Wright Flyer II" to make longer-duration flights, and in 1905, followed up with the "Wright Flyer III," the first fixed-wing aircraft. The Wright brothers' success paved the way for future aircraft designs and flights, such as World War I's acceleration of expanding military aircraft in fighters, bombers, etc.

The 1920s saw the first commercial airline flight to carry mail and the increased speed and range of aircraft made the first nonstop flights overseas. Airline flights played a significant role in transporting passengers, carrying mail, and attacking surface targets, to name a few. Fast forward to today, as most commercial airlines' flights don't run on natural gas except for small aircraft. Natural gas remains in limited use and just for testing and demonstration purposes.

With aviation comes aviation safety, also known as air safety. Aviation safety can be defined as the state of an aviation system or organization in which risks associated with aviation activities, related to, or in direct support of the operation of aircraft, are reduced and controlled to an acceptable level. In addition, aviation safety can encompass the theory, practice, investigation, and categorization of flight failures, prevent such failures through regulation, education, and training, and inform the public about the safety of air travel.

Aviation mechanics, also known as aircraft mechanics or aircraft maintenance technicians, ensure the safety of aircraft, whether commercial, cargo, or military. The everyday responsibilities of AMTs include maintenance, troubleshooting, repairing, testing, and reading instructions. AMTs are required to undergo training and testing to become federally certified airframe and powerplant (A&P) mechanics and obtain licenses required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) before working on aircraft.

Some AMTs are generalists who repair a wide range of aircraft, while others specialize in a specific type of aircraft. The average AMT salary varies depending on the AMT's ability, experience, and location. However, the median annual salary for an AMT is $72,640, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The year 2000 marked a new decade and a new century after the previous century witnessed the birth of powered heavier-than-air flight. The current century saw several aviation-related events, such as 9/11's effects and subsequent changes surrounding airport security following the fatal four coordinated Islamist terrorist suicide attacks, carried out by al-Qaeda, on the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in Manhattan, New York, along with The Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

Despite the long-lasting effects of 9/11, 1985 continues to be the deadliest year in aviation history. Japan Airlines Flight 123, a Boeing 747, fatally crashed in mountainous terrain in Gunma Prefecture, Japan, on August 12, 1985, and killed 520 out of the 524 passengers on board. The Gunma, Japan, fatal crash was the deadliest of the 1980s and succeeded the second deadliest flight of the 1980s in Air India Flight 182, also a Boeing 747, where a terrorist bomb killed all 329 passengers onboard over the Atlantic Ocean in Western Ireland on June 23, 1985. A total of 2,010 passengers were killed in commercial aviation accidents in 1985 — the second-highest in commercial aviation history since 1942. Just 1972 had more fatalities with 2,373 passengers.

The aviation industry has changed since the early 2000s, which has been a positive for domestic and international travelers worldwide. The 2010s can be described as a transformative decade for the aviation industry, as the different types of aircraft, airline operations, and flying fees were uplifted for the greater good. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner made its debut, while the Airbus family, specifically the Airbus' A319, A320, and A321, became the most-flown commercial aircraft in the world. The only downside was that free food and beverages were no longer given on domestic flights, especially in the United States.

The aviation industry was temporarily halted in 2021 due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. However, the aviation industry's comeback bounced back after the worst days of COVID-19 were left behind. Only time will tell, but air travel could be revolutionized in the near future with supersonic aircraft (i.e. NASA's X-59 QueSST aircraft), eVTOL aircraft, and zero-emission aircraft. We'll keep an eye out on the latest changes surrounding air travel as a whole.

The aviation industry is constantly changing, so it's important for airlines to adapt and pivot to the sways of the constantly changing economy, including the market economies, and the reoccurring climate change threat.