Before the world knew it as the C-47 Dakota, this aircraft started life as the Douglas DC-3 airliner. Introduced in 1935, it was a true game-changer for aviation. For the first time, airlines could fly passengers comfortably and actually make a profit without relying on mail contracts. With space for 21 people and even sleeper berths on some routes, the DC-3 set new standards for speed, comfort and reliability. It quickly became the backbone of commercial aviation, shrinking travel times and con