Why did orteig offer to prize?

The Orteig Prize was offered by French aviator Raymond Orteig in 1919 to encourage the first non-stop transatlantic flight between New York City and Paris. Orteig aimed to promote aviation advancements and foster a spirit of exploration and innovation in the post-World War I era. The prize ultimately inspired Charles Lindbergh, who successfully completed the flight in 1927, significantly advancing public interest in aviation.