What technological development contributed to the regularity of air service in the aviation industry?

The advent of instrument flying significantly contributed to the regularity of air service in the aviation industry because it allowed pilots to navigate and operate aircraft effectively in various weather conditions that would have previously made flying hazardous or infeasible. Instrument flying involves the use of aircraft instruments and controls for navigation and flying without visual references to the ground or horizon, especially in poor visibility scenarios like clouds or fog.

This capability enabled airlines to maintain a more consistent flight schedule because flights could operate safely in adverse weather, reducing delays and cancellations. Consequently, instrument flying played a key role in improving the reliability of commercial air travel, making it more accessible and dependable for passengers.

In contrast, while the invention of jet engines indeed transformed air travel by increasing speed and efficiency, it was the techniques of instrument flying that directly addressed the challenges posed by variable weather, ensuring that airlines could operate on a more reliable schedule. Flying boats and supersonic transport aircraft also contributed to the industry in various ways, but their impact on the regularity of air service was not as profound as that of instrument flying.