First Westward Nonstop Transatlantic Flight
The first westward nonstop transatlantic flight was accomplished on September 2, 1930, by French aviators Captain Dieudonne Coste and Maurice Bellonte. They flew from France to Valley Stream, New York, completing the journey in 37 hours. This flight marked a significant milestone in aviation history, as it was the first direct flight from Europe to the United States without any stops. While the first transatlantic flight occurred earlier in June 1919, when Captain John Alcock and Lieutenant Arthur Whitten Brown flew from Newfoundland to Ireland, Coste and Bellonte's achievement represented a new level of distance and endurance in air travel. Their aircraft was named the Point d'Interrogation, which translates to "Question Mark." This historic event not only showcased advancements in aviation technology but also paved the way for future developments in transatlantic air travel. Understanding this flight provides insight into the evolution of global connectivity and the pioneering spirit of early aviators.
On this Page
Subject Terms
First Westward Nonstop Transatlantic Flight
First Westward Nonstop Transatlantic Flight
The first nonstop flight from Europe to the United States was completed on September 2, 1930, when French Captain Dieudonne Coste and his companion Maurice Bellonte arrived in Valley Stream, New York, after a 37-hour flight from France. The first transatlantic flight had been made over a decade earlier, when in June 1919 Captain John Alcock and Lieutenant Arthur Whitten Brown had flown from Newfoundland to Ireland. However, Coste and Bellonte accomplished the first westward nonstop flight, going from Europe to the United States. Their aircraft was named the Point d'Interrogation (question mark).