Oldest Airline Companies Globally Unveiled
**Oldest Still Operating Airlines: A Look at Their History and Current Status**
This article provides an in-depth look at the historical milestones and current status of five of the world’s oldest airlines that are still in operation: KLM, Avianca, Qantas, Aeroflot, and Czech Airlines.
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## KLM (Royal Dutch Airlines)
Originally founded in 1919, KLM is the oldest airline still operating under its original name. KLM began scheduled services in the same year, and it was granted royal status (“Koninklijke”) at its founding, which is reflected in its logo. KLM played a leading role in early aviation, including pioneering intercontinental routes. In 2004, KLM merged with Air France to form Air France–KLM, one of the world’s largest airline groups.
KLM continues as a subsidiary of Air France–KLM, with its hub at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. The airline operates a fleet of over 100 aircraft, serving 145 destinations worldwide. KLM is a member of SkyTeam since 2004 and maintains its original name and iconic winged crown logo, periodically updated over the decades.
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## Avianca (Aerovías Nacionales de Colombia S.A.)
Avianca was founded in 1919 (as SCADTA), making it a contender for the title of the second-oldest airline still in operation under its original name, though it has undergone several name changes and restructurings. Originally a German-Colombian venture, it focused on domestic routes before expanding internationally. The U.S. government pressured Colombia to nationalize the airline, leading to a name change to Avianca in 1940.
Avianca remains Colombia’s flag carrier and a significant player in Latin American aviation. The airline operates a modern fleet, including Boeing and Airbus jets, serving destinations across the Americas and Europe. Avianca is a member of Star Alliance. In 2020, the airline went through financial difficulties, leading to a Chapter 11 bankruptcy restructuring. However, the airline successfully emerged from bankruptcy in late 2021 and continues to operate under restructured ownership.
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## Qantas (Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Services)
Qantas was founded in 1920, as an air mail and passenger service for outback Australia. The airline played a critical role in connecting remote Australian communities. In 1954, Qantas launched the first regular trans-Pacific service (Australia–USA). Qantas has remained independent, never merging with another major airline.
Today, Qantas is Australia’s flag carrier, known as “The Flying Kangaroo,” and is often cited as one of the world’s safest airlines. Qantas operates a widebody fleet, flying to major international destinations and a strong domestic network. Qantas is a founding member of the Oneworld alliance. Recently, the airline has focused on post-pandemic recovery and fleet renewal, including orders for Airbus A350-1000s and Boeing 787s for ultra-long-haul routes.
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## Aeroflot (Russian Airlines)
Aeroflot was founded in 1923, as the state airline of the Soviet Union. Aeroflot grew into one of the world’s largest airlines, serving as a key tool of Soviet state policy, civil aviation, and international diplomacy. After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Aeroflot was privatized in the 1990s, but the Russian government retains a controlling stake.
Currently, Aeroflat is Russia’s flag carrier, but its international operations have been severely impacted by sanctions following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The airline traditionally operated a mix of Russian and Western aircraft, but current operations are largely domestic due to international sanctions. Aeroflot was a member of SkyTeam, but it was suspended from the alliance in 2022. Facing significant challenges due to geopolitical tensions, fleet grounding, and restricted international access, Aeroflot continues to operate under these constraints.
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## Czech Airlines (ČSA)
Czech Airlines was founded in 1923, as Czechoslovakia’s national carrier. Czech Airlines played a role in European aviation during the interwar period and Cold War. Transitioning to a private company after the Velvet Revolution (1989), Czech Airlines faced financial difficulties and restructuring.
Today, Czech Airlines operates a significantly reduced network compared to its peak, focusing on regional routes and charter flights. The airline operates a small fleet, primarily serving European destinations. Czech Airlines was a member of SkyTeam, but it left the alliance in 2021. Ownership has changed hands several times, and the airline’s future remains uncertain as it seeks stability in a highly competitive market.
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## Comparison Table
| Airline | Founded | Original Name Still Used | Current Status | Alliance | Notable Facts | |-----------------|---------|-------------------------|----------------------------------------------------|-------------------|------------------------------------------------| | KLM | 1919 | Yes | Subsidiary of Air France–KLM, major global carrier | SkyTeam | Oldest airline under original name[1][3] | | Avianca | 1919 | No (name changed 1940) | Independent, post-bankruptcy restructuring | Star Alliance | Second-oldest, Latin America’s pioneer | | Qantas | 1920 | Yes | Independent, Australia’s flag carrier | Oneworld | “The Flying Kangaroo,” renowned safety | | Aeroflot | 1923 | Yes | State-controlled, sanctions-impacted operations | None (suspended) | Former Soviet giant, now constrained | | Czech Airlines | 1923 | Yes | Reduced operations, uncertain future | None (left 2021) | Central European heritage, ongoing challenges |
These airlines illustrate the evolution of global aviation, from pioneering intercontinental connections to navigating the challenges of the 21st century. KLM stands out as the oldest airline still operating under its original name, while each of the others has a unique story of survival, adaptation, and—in some cases—ongoing struggle.
- KLM's lifestyle while traveling with them is a blend of nostalgia and modern luxury, as they offer a fleet of over 100 aircraft, serving 145 destinations worldwide, with their hub at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.
- Avianca's travel experiences reflect their rich history and heritage, providing passengers with a glimpse of Colombia's culture, as they operate a modern fleet, serving destinations across the Americas and Europe.
