75 years since Pan Am's first transatlantic passenger service On 28 June 1939, 75 years ago, Pan American Airways launched the first commercial transatlantic air service between New York and Marseilles. The plane in question was a Boeing 314 Clipper, possessing a range of 3,500 miles and the capacity to carry 74 passengers. It was essentially a flying boat and was selected after winning a competition held by Pan American between eight US airline manufacturers in 1937. The planes actually enjoyed several luxuries, including dressing rooms, a dining salon that could be turned into a lounge and even a bridal suite. The food wasn't bad either. Four-star hotels catered gourmet meals that were served from the plane's gallery, so no complaints there.