Top 10 Airlines Founded Before 1950, including their iconic starting’s, founded year, owner, country, headquarters, history, interesting facts and current operations. Let’s know about these legendary airlines and whether they are still operating today and how they have shaped the global aviation industry over the decades through their innovations, services and long standing legacy.
Top 10 Airlines Founded Before 1950 | Interesting Facts and Current Status
1. KLM
Founded: 1919
Owner: Air France–KLM Group
Country: Netherlands
Headquarters: Amsterdam
KLM is the world’s oldest airline still operating under its original name. It started in 1919 and has over 100 years of aviation history. The airline is known for its excellent safety record, punctual flights, and friendly service. It has played an important role in connecting Europe with the rest of the world for more than a century.
Today, KLM flies to hundreds of destinations around the world and is one of Europe’s most trusted international airlines. The airline continues to use one of the most modern fleets and focuses on innovation, sustainability, and passenger comfort.
Interesting Fact: KLM has never changed its original name since it was founded in 1919, making it the oldest airline in the world still operating under the same name.
2. Qantas
Founded: 1920
Owner: Publicly Listed Company (Qantas Group)
Country: Australia
Headquarters: Sydney
Qantas is Australia’s national airline and one of the oldest airlines still in operation. It is famous for its strong safety standards and long-distance international flights. The airline has earned a worldwide reputation for reliability, innovation, and excellent customer service over the decades.
Today, Qantas operates domestic and international routes, serving millions of passengers every year with a modern fleet and high-quality services. The airline continues to invest in new aircraft, advanced technology, and more comfortable travel experiences for passengers.
Interesting Fact: Qantas has one of the best aviation safety records in the world and has inspired many aviation safety studies.
3. Aeroflot
Founded: 1923
Owner: Russian Government (Major Shareholder)
Country: Russia
Headquarters: Moscow
Aeroflot is one of Europe’s oldest airlines and has played an important role in aviation history. It started as the national airline of the Soviet Union and later became Russia’s flagship carrier. The airline has grown from a historic government airline into a modern international aviation company.
Today, Aeroflot operates domestic and international flights with modern aircraft and continues to be one of Russia’s largest airlines. It focuses on improving passenger comfort, expanding its route network, and maintaining high operational standards.
Interesting Fact: At one time, Aeroflot was the largest airline in the world by the number of aircraft it operated.
4. Delta Air Lines
Founded: 1925
Owner: Publicly Listed Company
Country: United States
Headquarters: Atlanta, Georgia
Delta Air Lines began as a small crop-dusting company before becoming one of the world’s biggest airlines. It is known for reliable service, a large route network, and modern aircraft. Over the years, Delta has become one of the most respected names in global aviation.
Today, Delta flies to hundreds of destinations across six continents and carries millions of passengers every year. The airline continues to improve its customer experience through modern technology, premium cabins, and efficient operations.
Interesting Fact: Delta is one of the few airlines in the world that has been operating for over 100 years.
5. American Airlines
Founded: 1930
Owner: American Airlines Group
Country: United States
Headquarters: Fort Worth, Texas
American Airlines is one of the largest airlines in the world by fleet size and passenger traffic. It offers thousands of daily flights to destinations across the globe. The airline has built one of the world’s biggest aviation networks through decades of continuous growth.
Today, American Airlines serves millions of passengers every year with modern aircraft and extensive domestic and international routes. It continues to expand its services while providing premium travel options and a strong loyalty rewards program.
Interesting Fact: American Airlines operates one of the world’s largest commercial aircraft fleets.
6. Egypt Air
Founded: 1932
Owner: Egyptian Government
Country: Egypt
Headquarters: Cairo
Timeline of EgyptAir Names (1932–Present)
1932 → Misr Airwork
1935 → Misr Airlines
1946 → MisrAir
1958/1960 → United Arab Airlines (UAA)
1971 → EgyptAir
EgyptAir is one of the oldest airlines in Africa and the Middle East. It has been serving passengers for more than 90 years and connects many international destinations. The airline has played an important role in developing aviation across the African continent.
Today, EgyptAir operates flights across Africa, Europe, Asia, and North America with a modern and growing fleet. It continues to improve passenger services while expanding its international network and operational efficiency.
Interesting Fact: EgyptAir was the first airline in the Middle East and Africa to join the Star Alliance.
7. Air France
Founded: 1933
Owner: Air France–KLM Group
Country: France
Headquarters: Paris
Air France is the national airline of France and one of Europe’s leading airlines. It is well known for comfortable flights, quality service, and strong international connections. The airline has represented French aviation with elegance and excellence for many decades.
Today, Air France serves hundreds of destinations worldwide and is a popular choice for both business and leisure travelers. It continues to modernize its fleet while focusing on sustainability, innovation, and premium customer service.
Interesting Fact: Air France was formed by the merger of several French airlines in 1933.
8. Lufthansa
Founded: 1935
Owner: Publicly Listed Company
Country: Germany
Headquarters: Cologne
Lufthansa is Germany’s largest airline and one of Europe’s most respected carriers. It is known for excellent safety, premium travel experience, and efficient operations. The airline has built a strong reputation through decades of reliable international service.
Today, Lufthansa operates flights to hundreds of destinations worldwide and remains a leader in global aviation. The airline continues to invest in new aircraft, digital technology, and environmentally friendly aviation solutions.
Interesting Fact: Lufthansa is one of the founding members of the Star Alliance, the world’s largest airline alliance.
9. Cathay Pacific
Founded: 1946
Owner: Swire Pacific (Major Shareholder)
Country: Hong Kong (China)
Headquarters: Hong Kong
Cathay Pacific is one of Asia’s leading international airlines. It is famous for premium cabins, excellent customer service, and comfortable long-haul flights. The airline has earned global recognition for delivering high-quality travel experiences.
Today, Cathay Pacific connects Hong Kong with major cities across Asia, Europe, North America, Australia, and the Middle East. The airline continues to improve its services with modern aircraft, advanced technology, and world-class hospitality.
Interesting Fact: Cathay Pacific has won the “World’s Best Airline” award multiple times.
10. El Al
Founded: 1948
Owner: Knafaim Holdings (Major Shareholder)
Country: Israel
Headquarters: Tel Aviv
El Al is Israel’s national airline and is well known for its advanced aviation security. Since 1948, it has connected Israel with important destinations around the world. The airline is respected globally for maintaining some of the highest security standards in commercial aviation.
Today, El Al operates modern aircraft and provides international passenger and cargo services while maintaining a strong reputation for safety and reliability. It continues to expand its network and improve passenger comfort through modern aviation technology.
Interesting Fact: El Al is famous worldwide for having some of the strictest airline security measures in the aviation industry.