Five Centenarians of the Skies: Airlines Celebrating 100 Years of Aviation Excellence
Three distinguished airlines are marking their 100th anniversaries this year, a remarkable testament to their enduring legacy in the aviation industry. In addition to these centenarians, two other venerable airlines are also recognized for their century-old contributions to air travel.
Czech Airlines (CSA) – Founded in 1923, Czech Airlines commenced its inaugural flight a month later, connecting Prague to Bratislava. Today, it remains the national airline of the Czech Republic and has maintained its base at Prague Airport, formerly Ruzyně Airport, since 1937. An exhibition celebrating “100 Years of Czech Aviation” at Prague Airport showcases the airline’s rich history.
Aeroflot – The oldest airline celebrating its centenary in 2023, Aeroflot, traces its origins to March 1923 when it was established as the Volunteer Association of the Aerial Fleet, also known as Dobrolet. Operating a diverse fleet of primarily domestically designed aircraft, it once boasted a fleet of 5,400 aircraft and briefly operated the Tupolev Tu-144, a supersonic passenger aircraft.
Qantas – Originating from a mission to connect remote Australian communities, Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Services (Qantas) started its operations in 1920. It became renowned for its “Kangaroo Route” to Europe, and today, it is recognized as a leading global airline, even pioneering ultra-long-haul flights like the forthcoming Project Sunrise routes.
Avianca – Founded in December 1919 as SCADTA (The Colombia-German Air Transport Company), Avianca revolutionized transportation with its Junkers F-13 floatplanes, connecting remote destinations in the Amazon region. It later merged to form Aerovias del Continente Americano (Avianca) and has grown to become one of South America’s largest airline groups.
KLM (Koninklijke Luchtvaart Maatschappij) – The world’s oldest airline operating under its original name, KLM, was established in October 1919. It initiated its first flight in 1920 from Amsterdam to London. KLM is celebrated for pioneering the hub-and-spoke model, contributing significantly to Amsterdam’s status as a major global aviation hub.
Honorable Mention:
Finnair – Founded on November 1st, 1923, as Aero, the flag carrier of Finland is known for its innovative history, including being the first airline to operate a jet passenger aircraft with a two-person flight crew.
As these airlines reach the remarkable milestone of a century in the skies, their enduring contributions and legacies continue to shape the aviation industry’s landscape.
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, msn.com, apple.news