12 of the Oldest Airlines Still Soaring Through the Skies
The aviation industry has transformed the way we connect with the world. Today, over 4.5 billion passengers take to the skies annually, according to ICAO, 2023, but the history of commercial flight is built on the wings of pioneering airlines that helped shape modern air travel.
Among the countless carriers that have come and gone, a few of the oldest airlines have stood the test of time and continue to soar. These carriers survived turbulent times—including world wars, economic crises, and evolving technologies—and shaped the global aviation landscape. Here are 12 of the oldest airlines, each with a story as fascinating as the history they embody.
British Airways
Founded in 1916 in the United Kingdom, British Airways (BA) began as Aircraft Transport and Travel Limited. Officially formed in 1974 after the merger of BOAC and BEA, BA’s history traces back to the early days of aviation. British Airways states that it launched the first international flight between London and Paris in 1919, marking the start of commercial air travel.
Today, British Airways serves over 200 destinations worldwide, blending its rich history with modern innovations. BA leads global aviation by adopting fuel-efficient fleets and leveraging AI to improve passenger experiences. Interestingly, BA’s Concorde flights still record the fastest transatlantic crossing, completing the London to New York journey in 2 hours and 52 minutes.
Czech Airlines
Established in October 1923 in the Czech Republic, Czech Airlines (CSA) has been a key player in Central European aviation for nearly a century.
Having started with propeller planes, CSA has evolved into a modern airline with a fleet of Airbus aircraft. CSA’s first international flight in 1930 landed in Croatia on an unpaved grass runway.
American Airlines
American Airlines was founded in 1930 following the merger of 82 smaller airlines. It has grown into one of the “Big Three” U.S. carriers. Known for innovation, American Airlines introduced the industry’s first airport lounge, the Admirals Club, and launched the AAdvantage loyalty program in 1981, setting the benchmark for frequent flier programs.
American Airlines’ AAdvantage program was the first-ever airline loyalty program, creating a new standard for rewarding customer loyalty.
Wiggins Airways
Established in 1929, Wiggins Airways operates primarily in New England and has built its reputation in cargo transportation. While it may not have the glamour of passenger-focused airlines, Wiggins plays an essential role in supporting the economy with its steadfast operations.
The airline also provides critical medical supply flights across the Northeast, ensuring communities have access to vital goods.
Turkish Airlines
Founded in 1933, Turkish Airlines has transformed from a small state enterprise into a global aviation leader. Renowned for its extensive route network, the airline serves flights to more countries than any other carrier, with 129 nations on its list and counting.
Turkish Airlines continues to set benchmarks in the aviation industry with its unparalleled reach and service.
Swiss International Air Lines
Swiss International Air Lines, launched in 1931, rose from the collapse of Swissair in 2002. As a carrier, it upholds the legacy of Swiss precision and luxury, now operating as part of the Lufthansa Group.
This partnership has allowed Swiss International to expand its global reach while maintaining its roots in Swiss quality and tradition.
Hawaiian Airlines
Founded in 1929, Hawaiian Airlines began as Inter-Island Airways, focusing on inter-island routes using Sikorsky and Bellanca aircraft. Over the decades, it has become a well-known name, connecting Hawaii to the mainland United States and international destinations.
Hawaiian Airlines holds the U.S. record for the fewest flight cancellations, consistently delivering reliable service.
Avianca
Established in December 1919 in Colombia, Avianca is Latin America’s oldest airline. Known initially as SCADTA (Sociedad Colombo Alemana de Transporte Aéreo), it began passenger flights along Colombia’s Magdalena River. The airline rebranded as Avianca in 1940 and quickly established itself as a leader in regional and international air travel.
Today, Avianca connects South America with the rest of the world, operating one of the most extensive route networks in the Western Hemisphere. Avianca was a founding member of Star Alliance, the first and largest global airline alliance.
Delta Air Lines
Delta Air Lines, founded in 1924 in the United States, started as Huff Daland Dusters, focusing on aerial crop dusting. After rebranding in 1928, Delta became one of the most customer-focused airlines in the U.S.
According to Delta News Hub, in 2020, it became the first major U.S. airline to offer complimentary in-flight Wi-Fi. Delta operates over 5,400 daily flights, connecting passengers to more than 200 destinations worldwide.
Aeroflot
Russia’s Aeroflot was founded in 1923, initially known as Dobrolyot. Rebranded in 1932, it became the world’s largest airline during the Soviet era. Aeroflot is renowned for its durability and reliability, navigating post-USSR restructuring to remain Russia’s largest carrier.
Today, Aeroflot operates a fleet of over 200 aircraft, connecting destinations across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Business Traveller reports that, in the 1980s, Aeroflot served a record 120 million passengers annually, showcasing its dominance during its peak years.
Qantas
Founded in 1920 in Australia, Qantas began as Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Services (QANTAS), initially serving remote areas of the Australian outback. Affectionately known as “The Flying Kangaroo,” Qantas has become synonymous with long-haul travel excellence.
The airline achieved a milestone in 2019 with the world’s longest-ever nonstop passenger flight test between New York and Sydney. Interestingly, Qantas pioneered the world’s first business-class offering in 1979, setting a new standard for luxury travel.
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
Founded in 1919 in the Netherlands, KLM is the world’s oldest airline, and it still operates under its original name. Its first flight in 1920 connected London and Amsterdam, setting the stage for KLM’s pioneering role in European aviation.
Despite challenges like World War II, KLM quickly adapted to the jet age and became a key member of the Air France–KLM Group. KLM Newsroom reported that its environmental initiatives, such as the “Fly Responsibly” campaign, aim to achieve net-zero CO₂ emissions by 2050.
Fun Fact: KLM launched the first in-flight magazine, Holland Herald, in 1966, which is still circulating today.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
Disclosure: For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.
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