Aviation played an important part in the First World War. By the time peace had been restored, commercial links had became indispensable, both for routing mail and transporting passengers. The first airline companies were being established, and routes were being developed that would draw the world closer. Having initially flown in combat, pilots went on to fly postal routes and long-distance flights, and to perform in air shows.

Postage stamp Issued on August 12, 1994. William "Billy" Bishop was a Canadian Air Force ace pilot during the First World War. Canadian Postal Museum, Scott 1525

These daredevils exhibited their talents at circuses and air shows. In the 1920s, Hollywood paid them to perform spectacular air combat manoeuvres in movies.