A small biplane flying-boat built in 1914 designed by Thomas W.Benoist and built by Benoist Aircraft Co.
This flying boat conducted the world’s first scheduled airline flight. Designed by Thomas W. Benoist, the Benoist Type XIV first flew from the Florida city of St Petersburg to Tampa in January 1914 and was one of two aircraft belonging to the St Petersburg-Tampa Airboat Line.
In the United States, the St Petersburg-Tampa Airboat Line commenced twice-daily services across Tampa Bay, Florida, using a Benoist flying boat, charging the single passenger US$5 per journey in January 1914.
The aircraft was so small there was space for just one passenger who had to sit next to the pilot, quickly rendering the entire operation an unaffordable venture.
Having carried 1,205 passengers in the space of three months, the airline folded and the Benoist became the plaything of the wealthy. In 1984, a flying replica was built for the 70th anniversary of the flight, which is now on display in the St. Petersburg Museum of History.
Engine: 70 hp Sturtevant or 75 hp Roberts
Propeller: pusher
Span: 45′
Length: 26′
Range: 175 miles
All Aero 