Purpose: This paper aims to review some of the main aviation innovations that have taken place in the past 75 years and also provide some insights into the future of the sector until the end of the twenty-first century. Design/methodology/approach: The paper uses a historical approach by identifying the main regulatory, technological and economic innovations that have allowed aviation to become such a global phenomenon, supporting the tourism industry worldwide. A similar approach is used to identify future innovations to support safe, sustainable and customer-focused advancements in the next 75 years. Findings: No particular findings, but rather a timeline of remarkable developments (1945-2095) perspectives of air transport innovations. Originality/value: This paper is a short review of the main innovations that have supported the air transport industry in the past 75 years, while predicting some other innovations to support the sector in the future.