Exhibition flying was enormously popular in 1910 when a plane thrilled crowds at the State Fairgrounds in Grand Forks. Early attempts at passenger plane service in North Dakota failed until Congress gave out air mail service contracts that became a sort of government subsidy. This subsidy brought North Dakota's first regularly-scheduled airline in 1931 when Northwest Airways extended its route to Winnipeg flying via Fargo, Grand Forks and Pembina. Federal subsidies continue to support air service in Devils Lake, Jamestown and Dickinson.
Experts say North Dakota is in the right position to become a regional hub for air freight services.
Grand Forks is already a regional hub for Federal Express. Wright brothers make world's first powered flight. 1910 First powered flight comes to North Dakota 1919 Barnstorming becomes popular in North Dakota 1925 Contract Air Mail Act passes, helping airline services begin business. 1927 Charles Lingbergh flies across the Atlantic. 1931 Northwest Airways extends service to Fargo Grand Forks, and Pembina.