Compagnie générale transaérienne

Compagnie générale transaérienne
Company typeAirline
IndustryAir transport
FoundedOctober 10, 1909 (1909-10-10) in France
FounderHenri Deutsch de la Meurthe
Defunct1921
FateAbsorbed
SuccessorCompagnie des Messageries Aériennes
ProductsMail, parcel and passenger air transport services

The Compagnie générale transaérienne (CGT: General Trans-Air Company) was a predecessor of Air France, founded in 1909. At first it operated airships in France and Switzerland, then added float planes and later direct flights from Paris to London. It was the first private company in the world to operate a scheduled fixed-wing passenger airline service. After World War I (1914–18) the company faced mounting competition, and in 1921 it was absorbed by a rival.