Delta Air Lines is America’s Oldest Carrier, From Crop Dusting to Global Aviation Leader

Delta Air Lines, the oldest US carrier and one of the world’s most enduring airlines, boasts an impressive history spanning nearly a century. Originally established in 1925 as Huff Daland Dusters, a pioneering aerial crop dusting operation, Delta took its first momentous leap into passenger flights on June 17, 1929. Commencing from Dallas and making stops in Shreveport, Monroe, and Jackson, Mississippi, Delta embarked on its remarkable journey as a passenger airline.

The roots of Delta can be traced back to the visionary founding of Huff Daland Dusters in Macon, Georgia. Collett E. Woolman, along with other enterprising investors, launched the world’s inaugural aerial crop dusting company. Using specially modified biplanes, the company revolutionized farming practices by spraying insecticide on cotton fields across the southern United States, as well as in Peru and Colombia.

Since its humble beginnings, Delta has evolved into a global aviation leader, annually serving over 200 million passengers across a vast network of more than 300 destinations in 60 countries. With an unwavering commitment to excellence, Delta continues to shape the future of air travel, embodying a legacy rooted in innovation, reliability, and unmatched customer service.

In 1928, Woolman bought Huff Daland Dusters and renamed it Delta Air Service, after the Mississippi Delta region where it operated. The company moved its headquarters to Monroe, Louisiana, and obtained a mail contract from the US government.

On June 17, 1929, Delta made its first passenger flight from Dallas, Texas, to Jackson, Mississippi, with stops in Shreveport and Monroe, Louisiana. The flight was operated by a Travel Air S-6000B aircraft that could carry five passengers and one pilot.

Delta expanded its route network throughout the 1930s and 1940s, adding destinations such as Atlanta, Chicago, New York, Miami, and Los Angeles. The company also introduced new aircraft types, such as the Douglas DC-3 and the Lockheed L-649 Constellation.

In 1941, Delta moved its headquarters to Atlanta, Georgia, which remains its main hub today. In 1945, the company officially changed its name to Delta Air Lines. In 1953, Delta became the first airline to fly nonstop from Chicago to Miami.

Delta continued to grow and innovate in the following decades, becoming the first airline to fly the Douglas DC-8, Convair 880, and McDonnell Douglas DC-9 jets. Delta also launched its first international flights to Europe and South America in the late 1970s.

In 1987, Delta acquired Western Airlines, expanding its presence in the western US and adding new routes to Mexico and Canada. In 1991, Delta acquired most of Pan American World Airways’ transatlantic routes and European hubs, becoming the leading US carrier across the Atlantic.

Delta faced financial challenges in the early 2000s due to rising fuel costs and increased competition from low-cost carriers. The company filed for bankruptcy protection in 2005 and emerged from it in 2007 after restructuring its operations and fending off a hostile takeover bid from US Airways.

In 2008, Delta merged with Northwest Airlines, creating the world’s largest airline by passenger traffic at that time. The merger also gave Delta access to new markets in Asia and Africa. The two airlines integrated their operations by 2010 and retired the Northwest brand.

Delta has since strengthened its position as a global aviation leader by investing in new aircraft, technology, products, and services. The company has also formed strategic partnerships with other airlines around the world through joint ventures and alliances.

Delta operates a fleet of more than 800 aircraft, including Boeing 717s, 737s, 757s, 767s, 777s, and Airbus A220s, A319s, A320s, A321s, A330s, and A350s. The company also has orders for more than 200 new aircraft that will replace older models and support future growth.

Delta employs more than 80,000 people worldwide and has a loyal customer base of more than 100 million members of its SkyMiles frequent flyer program. The company has received numerous awards and recognition for its performance, service quality, safety record, corporate responsibility, and diversity.

Delta’s mission is to connect people and cultures across the globe with a vision to be the world’s most trusted airline. The company’s core values are honesty, integrity, respect, perseverance, and servant leadership.

Delta’s slogan is “Keep Climbing”, reflecting its commitment to excellence and continuous improvement. The company’s logo is a red triangle known as the “widget”, symbolizing speed and direction.