Airport

Summary

«Airport» is a novel by Arthur Hailey, published in 1968, that recounts the events of a winter night at the large Lincoln International Airport. The book focuses on the airport administration's activities, represented by the general manager, Mel Bakersfeld, who faces numerous challenges: complications from a heavy snowstorm, a runway blocked by a stranded aircraft, a bomb on board one of the planes, and personal struggles related to his developing romance with an airport employee. The airport becomes a crossroads where the destinies of many people intersect, each with their own joys, sorrows, hopes, and fears. «Airport» highlights both the drama and heroism of the everyday work that ensures the safety and efficiency of air travel.

Main Ideas

• Depiction of the operations of a major international airport during a snowstorm
• Showcasing the variety of problems and situations faced by airport and airline staff
• Exploration of human relationships and conflicts in a crisis situation
• Addressing the theme of flight safety and the fight against terrorism
• Reflecting the importance of professionalism, responsibility, and teamwork in overcoming extreme situations

Historical Context and Significance

«Airport» is a novel by Arthur Hailey, released in 1968, depicting the events of a snowy night at a large American airport. Due to an unforeseen situation with one of the planes, the entire airport is on the brink of disaster. The book sheds light on the inner workings of the airport, revealing the interplay between the personal lives of the staff and their professional duties. «Airport» was hugely successful and translated into numerous languages, playing a significant role in popularizing the techno-thriller genre. Arthur Hailey, with his meticulous attention to detail and accurate depiction of various institutions, left a significant mark on 20th-century literature. The novel was adapted into a successful film of the same name in 1970, further cementing its cultural impact at the time.

Main Characters and Their Development

• Mel Bakersfeld - the general manager of the airport, who faces a severe snowstorm and other management challenges. Throughout the novel, he must deal with personal and professional challenges, demonstrating determination and leadership qualities.
• Joe Patroni - an experienced mechanic and airline employee. His knowledge and ability to quickly solve problems play a key role in resolving the crisis with the stranded aircraft.
• Vern Demerest - a seasoned and confident pilot involved in a romance with a flight attendant. During the events, he faces moral dilemmas and realizes what truly matters to him in life.
• Gwen Meighen - a flight attendant involved in a romantic relationship with Vern. She faces a serious personal choice when she discovers her pregnancy.
• Tanya Livingston - a passenger planning to blow up a plane to secure her family with an insurance policy. Her desperate actions endanger the lives of everyone on board.

Style and Technique

«Airport» is a novel written in the drama genre with elements of a techno-thriller, characterized by detailed descriptions of airport operations and aviation procedures. The author, Arthur Hailey, is known for his ability to engage readers in complex technical and social processes, making them understandable and interesting. Hailey uses multiple perspectives and viewpoints to narrate the events of one snowy evening at a major airport, resulting in a multifaceted and rich plot. He skillfully intertwines the personal stories of the characters with the main plot, allowing for a deeper immersion into the atmosphere of the events. Stylistically, the book is written in a clear and accessible language with the use of technical terminology, adding realism to the text. The narrative structure is linear but contains many flashbacks and inserts that reveal the characters' backgrounds and the circumstances leading to the described events.

Quotes

• People who fear flying usually aren't afraid of airplanes, but of the confined space within them, the possibility of being stuck at a great height and unable to escape.
• An airport is not just a place for planes to arrive and depart; it's a whole world with its own laws, problems, and dramas.
• True professional skill can only manifest in extreme situations.

Interesting Facts

• The book describes one day in the life of a major international airport, showcasing the complexity and multifaceted nature of its operations.
• The main action takes place at the fictional Lincoln International Airport, which is a composite of several real airports.
• The novel was written after thorough research, including interviews with airport workers and studying their daily routines.
• One of the central themes of the book is the issue of flight safety and the threats associated with terrorist acts.
• The book was adapted into a successful film that received several Oscar nominations.
• The novel showcases various aspects of airport operations, including flight management, passenger services, security services, and aircraft maintenance.

Book Review

Arthur Hailey's «Airport» is a gripping novel that immerses the reader in the tense atmosphere of an international airport over the course of one turbulent day. Critics praise Hailey's skill in crafting a multi-layered plot where the fates of various characters intertwine, from airport management to passengers and flight crew. The author adeptly conveys the dynamics and chaos reigning in the airport, while also addressing important themes such as flight safety and human relationships. Hailey succeeds in creating a realistic and captivating narrative that keeps the reader on edge until the last page. Critics also commend him for his thorough research and attention to detail, making the novel not only engaging but also informative.