Benoist

Benoist is a French surname derived from the given name Benoît, the French form of Benedict. The form Benoist is a common variant in French-speaking regions and among Francophone communities worldwide. As a surname, it has been borne by individuals across a range of fields, including politics, science, literature, and the arts.

The name also appears in the history of aviation. The Benoist Aircraft Company produced the Benoist XIV, a single-engine biplane used in the United States’ first commercial airline service. On January 1, 1914, pilot Tony Jannus flew the Benoist XIV on a route from St. Petersburg to Tampa, carrying Abram C. Pheil, former mayor of St. Petersburg, who paid $400 for the ticket. The flight is widely cited as the first commercial passenger flight and is regarded as a milestone in the development of air transport.