On this day, 76 years ago, July 27, 1949 (July 2, 1949 in the lunar calendar), the world's first jetliner was tested. Comet Havilland July 27, 1949. The world's first jetliner, the Comet Havilland, made its first test flight in Hatfield, England. The Comet, equipped with four jet engines, is Britain's attempt to occupy the world's leading position in aviation through rapid progress in the history of air transport. The aircraft, which will be in service within three years, can carry 36 people in a sealed cockpit, fly at an altitude of 40,000 feet and 500 miles per hour, much faster than any aircraft currently in use. The aircraft was piloted by Captain John Cunningham when it was first released to the world. He was a World War II flying warrior who once flew an aircraft with swept wings to an altitude of 8000 feet. Although government officials say the test flight will take more than two years, De-Harvey Manufacturing is producing 16 Comet aircraft. The aircraft were ordered by the British government and two British airlines.