Aviation Pioneers: A Look at the Oldest Operating Airlines
Ancient Aviation Giants: World's Longest- operating Airline Brands
In the annals of aviation history, several airlines have left indelible marks, their stories intertwined with the development of air travel itself. Today, we delve into the histories of some of the oldest airlines still operating under their original names.
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
Founded on October 5, 1919, KLM is the oldest airline in the world still operating under its original name. Translating to Royal Aviation Company, this Dutch carrier started passenger operations soon after its founding, with its first flight taking place on May 17, 1920. Today, KLM is a subsidiary of the Air France-KLM group, but it retains its original brand and identity. Based at Schiphol Airport (Amsterdam), KLM offers a network of flights to over 160 destinations on all continents, operating a fleet of 168 aircraft.
Aeroflot
Originally founded as Dobroliot in 1923, Aeroflot changed its name to its current moniker in the early 1930s. Aeroflot made aviation history by being the first airline in the world to put a passenger jet into service, with the Tu-104 in 1956. During the 1980s, Aeroflot held the record for the world's largest airline, flying over all continents and carrying 120 million passengers a year. Today, Aeroflot continues to operate and is considered to be among the top twenty airlines by passenger volume. A museum at Sheremetyevo Airport in Moscow tells the history of Aeroflot.
Avianca
Avianca was born in Barranquilla, Latin America, on December 5, 1919, as the Sociedad Colombo Alemana de Transporte Aéreo (Scadta). Through a merger with Servicio Aéreo Colombiano (Saco) in 1940, Scadta became Aerovías Nacionales de Colombia (Avianca). Today, Avianca has about 680 daily flights, has 151 planes, and flies to 100 destinations in 25 countries in America and Europe.
Czech Airlines
Czech Airlines was founded by the government of Czechoslovakia in October 1923. Its first flight was from Prague to Bratislava, the capital, a month after its foundation. Although Czech Airlines only operated on domestic routes until 1930, it has since expanded its reach and today connects with the most important European destinations, transit points in North America, Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa, and carries more than 2 million passengers per year.
Qantas
Qantas was founded on November 16, 1920, as Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Services Ltd. Its first air routes offered connections to people in western Queensland, Australia. Today, Qantas operates a fleet of over 200 aircraft and serves more than 70 destinations around the world.
These airlines have played significant roles in shaping the aviation industry and continue to do so today. Their enduring presence serves as a testament to their resilience and adaptability in an ever-evolving landscape.
Traveling has been a integral part of the histories of some of the oldest airlines still operating under their original names, such as KLM, Aeroflot, Avianca, Czech Airlines, and Qantas. These aviation pioneers, like KLM with its network of over 160 destinations, have significantly impacted the development of air travel lifestyle, connecting people across the globe.
