These airlines have weathered all kinds of storms, from the first and second World Wars to the Covid-19 pandemic, and they’re still going strong. They’ve got plenty of tales about hanging tough, expanding, and rolling with the changes. So, let’s talk about the five oldest airlines that are still up in the sky today.
KLM
KLM, short for KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, is the granddaddy of them all. Started in 1919, it’s the oldest airline still operating under its original name. The airline kicked off its journey with a flight from Amsterdam to London. KLM was also the first to set up an airline ticket and reservation office, back in 1921 in Amsterdam. They even had a sister airline, Royal Netherlands-East Indies Airlines, which later became part of KLM. During World War II, KLM had to limit its operations but bounced back quickly, becoming the first European airline to fly to New York in 1946. Even after merging with Air France in 2004, KLM kept its identity, continuing to operate under its own name and logo.
Avianca
Avianca, Colombia’s national airline, started its operations in 1919 as SCADTA. The airline was a game-changer in Latin America, connecting coastal and inland cities in record time. In 1940, SCADTA became Avianca and expanded its wings to the United States. Despite facing bankruptcy in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Avianca has managed to keep its legacy alive, continuing to be a major player in Latin American aviation.
Qantas
Qantas, or Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Services, started as a small operation in 1920. The airline was crucial for connecting remote communities in Australia. Qantas went international in 1935, extending its service from Darwin to Singapore. The airline embraced the jet age in 1959 and has continued to evolve, becoming a major global airline.
Aeroflot
Aeroflot, founded in 1923, was initially called Dobroflot. The airline was the backbone of the Soviet Union’s aviation industry, operating an extensive network of domestic and international flights. After the fall of the Soviet Union, Aeroflot underwent a major transformation, modernizing its fleet and expanding its global reach. Today, it’s the largest airline in Russia, holding a significant share of the country’s air market.
Czech Airlines
Czech Airlines started its journey in 1923 as Czechoslovak State Airlines. The airline initially focused on domestic flights but quickly expanded to international routes. Despite facing numerous challenges, including bankruptcy in 2021, Czech Airlines has managed to survive and adapt, remaining a key player in European aviation.
These oldest airlines in the world have seen it all, from world wars to technological revolutions, and they’re still here. Their stories are not just about survival but also about innovation and the ability to adapt to changing times.
For sure, change is the only constant, and sticking to the same old ways just won’t cut it. These long-standing airlines show us that being able to adapt, thinking ahead, and being open to new ways are key for any airline that wants to stick around.
First love never dies. I fell in love with airplanes and aviation when I was a kid. My dream was to become a pilot, but destiny led me to another path: to be an aviation digital media content creator and a small business owner. My passion for aviation inspires me to bring you quality content through my website and social accounts. Aviation is indeed in my blood and blog!
