As early as 1920, British policymakers had abundantly gauged the future significance of aviation, rightly believing it to be the future of defence and transport. Being a sea-surrounded nation, they were convinced that aviation was going to play as strategic a role for Britain in future as had been played by the navy in the past. Aviation would also help them control their far-flung colonies in a more effective manner. They were thus keen to create an enabling environment where this sector could take off in a big way.
