Final answer:
The Airline Deregulation Act of 1978 revolutionized air transport by removing government-set airfares and schedules, leading to cheaper flights, more efficient seat occupancy, and the implementation of hub-and-spoke systems. These changes doubled passenger counts and jobs in the airline industry while maintaining and improving safety under government oversight.
Step-by-step explanation:
The transformation of air transport over time can be primarily attributed to the Airline Deregulation Act of 1978, which marked a significant transition in the industry. Prior to deregulation, government entities were responsible for setting airfares and schedules, but the Airline Deregulation Act removed these constraints, stirring significant changes. In the following two decades, increasing competition led to a nearly one-third reduction in airfares, resulting in substantial savings for consumers and a notable efficiency boost with flights taking off two-thirds full as opposed to half. Additionally, the introduction of hub-and-spoke systems optimized routing by centralizing flights through a main hub before dispersing to various 'spoke' cities, enabling more extensive service with typically just one connection required. This evolution yielded a doubling in air passenger numbers from the late 1970s to the early 2000s, which also led to a doubling in the number of airline industry jobs. Government safety inspectors ensured that, with these changes, commercial air travel continued to improve safety-wise. The industry's journey has not been without challenges, including concerns regarding reduced competition due to recent mergers between major airlines.