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Until the early 1930s, all overseas air travel was accomplished via the Pacific Ocean primarily because of the numerous refuelling stops en route to European and Asian destinations. If a route over the Atlantic Ocean was opened, flight times could be drastically reduced, so this option was being explored. During the first half of the decade, much time and money was invested into developing a transatlantic route.

By 1937, Pan American World Airways (Pan Am) and British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC) were confident enough to attempt the first test flight over the Atlantic Ocean in a flying boat. This initial proving flight was a resounding success and both airlines invested more resources into expanding this venture.

In 1939 Pan Am was ready to begin a full time, transatlantic passenger service with regular stops in Botwood, Newfoundland. Instead of the Sikorsky aircraft, which were used in the original survey flights, Pam Am decided to use the new and modern Boeing B314. Boasting a full kitchen, sleeping quarters and accommodations for over 70 passengers, these airplanes were posh and extravagant.

On June 24, 1939 the Boeing B-314 Yankee Clipper departed Port Washington, New York enroute to London, England via Shediac, New Brunswick, Botwood, Newfoundland, and Foynes, Ireland. The largest airplane of the day made a scheduled overnight stop at Botwood on June 27, 1939. The Yankee Clipper was a flying hotel. Here owner, Pan Am, fitted her out like a suite at the Ritz. Built to carry 74 passengers and a crew of 8, she had sleeping accommodations for 40, separate dressing rooms for men and women, and a well stocked bar. She also had a lounge that doubled as a dining room, and a deluxe cabin in the tail section that converted to a bridal suite. Other elegant touches included a spiral staircase and soundproof compartments. The arrival and departure of this 109 foot flying giant in Botwood signified the end of two long years of test flights and the pioneer days of transatlantic air travel.

In 1991 Ken Follett, the best-selling British novelist, dramatized this flying boat era in his novel Night Over Water in which he describes a stop-over in Botwood.