A Century in the Sky: The Enduring Founders
While modern aviation focuses on sleek jets and cutting-edge efficiency, a handful of venerable carriers stand as living testaments to the industry’s century-long history. These five flag carriers have maintained their original identities despite wars, mergers, and economic turmoil, making them the world’s oldest airlines still operating under their founding names.
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (Founded: October 1919)
The crown jewel of aviation longevity, the Dutch flag carrier KLM holds the title as the oldest airline still operating under its founding name. Officially known as Koninklijke Luchtvaart Maatschappij (‘Royal Dutch Airlines’), the carrier was founded just after World War I. Less than a year later, in May 1920, its first scheduled flight, a leased De Havilland DH-16, flew from London to Amsterdam, carrying two journalists, a letter, and a stack of newspapers. Over 105 years later, KLM remains a global giant, connecting passengers through its Amsterdam Schiphol hub.
Qantas (Founded: November 1920)
All the way down under, Australia’s national carrier, Qantas, is the second-oldest, tracing its roots to the Australian outback. Founded by Australian Flying Corps veterans Paul McGinness and Hudson Fysh, the name is an acronym for Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Services. Envisioned as an air service connecting Australia to the world, the airline operated its first passenger flight in November 1922, cementing its place as the oldest in the English-speaking world.
Iberia (Founded: June 1927)
Returning to Europe, Spain’s flag carrier, Iberia, Compañía Aérea de Transporte, was established to concentrate initially on domestic and North African routes. Its first flight took off in December 1927, connecting Madrid and Barcelona. Following World War II, Iberia spearheaded the expansion of its network across the Atlantic, establishing strong long-haul links to South America that remain a core part of its identity today.
LOT Polish Airlines (Founded: December 1928)
Formed by the Polish government, LOT Polish Airlines began operations in January 1929, focusing on domestic routes before expanding across Europe. Following its recovery after World War II, LOT made history by becoming the first airline from Central and Eastern Europe to operate aircraft from US manufacturing giant Boeing, paving the way for its later long-haul services to North America and Asia.
Cubana de Aviación (Founded: October 1929)
The Cuban flag carrier, Cubana de Aviación, completes the list. Though considerably smaller today with a largely inactive fleet, the airline was established by American businessman Clement Melville Keys. It swiftly transitioned from charter and mail flights to scheduled passenger service in 1930, operating a fascinating mix of 20th-century aircraft, including the Douglas DC-3 and Ford Trimotor, on routes throughout Latin America and to the US and Europe.
