Oldest Airline Companies Globally Ranked
Five airlines, each with a rich history and a significant role in the development of commercial aviation, continue to operate today. These pioneers, KLM, Avianca, Qantas, Aeroflot, and Czech Airlines, have been shaping the skies since the early 20th century.
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
Founded in 1919, KLM is the oldest airline still operating under its original name. Originally established as the Koninklijke Luchtvaart Maatschappij (Royal Aviation Company) in the Netherlands, it merged with Air France in 2004 to form the Air France–KLM group. However, KLM maintains its brand and identity as a subsidiary. Based at Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam, KLM offers a network of flights to over 160 destinations on all continents.
Avianca
Avianca, founded in 1919 as Sociedad Colombo Alemana de Transporte Aéreo (SCADTA) in Barranquilla, Colombia, is one of the oldest airlines in the Americas and the second oldest worldwide after KLM. Avianca has evolved through rebrandings and expansions and continues to operate prominently in Latin America, with about 680 daily flights, 151 planes, and flights to 100 destinations in 25 countries in America and Europe.
Qantas
Established in 1920 in Australia as Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Services Ltd, Qantas is the third oldest airline still operating. Over the years, Qantas has grown into a major international carrier, continuously modernizing while keeping its heritage.
Aeroflot
Founded in 1923 in the Soviet Union, Aeroflot is one of the oldest airlines and was historically the national airline of the USSR. Today, it remains Russia's flag carrier and is still operating, having grown and modernized significantly since its founding. Aeroflot's airport in Moscow became the largest centre of aviation operations in the USSR after World War II.
Czech Airlines (České aerolinie)
Czech Airlines, founded in October 1923 by the government of Czechoslovakia, is the oldest airline in Central Europe still in operation. It is based at Prague International Airport Ruzyne and connects with the most important European destinations, transit points in North America, Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa, carrying more than 2 million passengers per year.
These airlines have played a crucial role in the evolution of global air travel, withstanding the test of time and adapting to the ever-changing landscape of the aviation industry. Their histories are marked by milestones, from the first passenger jet to the largest airline in the world, and they continue to shape the skies today.
Aeroflot's history is showcased at a museum located at Sheremetyevo Airport in Moscow, while KLM's museum is based at Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam. The first flight of KLM was on May 17, 1920, from London to Schiphol, and the first flight of Avianca was without passengers, but with 57 letters that were transported between Barranquilla and Puerto Colombia.
Each of these airlines has evolved significantly since its foundation, with some undergoing mergers or rebrandings. However, they all remain active in 2025, reflecting their adaptability and legacy in the evolution of global air travel.
References:
- List of airlines by foundation date
- KLM
- Avianca
- Qantas
- Aeroflot
- Czech Airlines
- These historical airlines, including KLM, Avianca, Qantas, Aeroflot, and Czech Airlines, have made significant contributions to the advancement of technology in aviation, continually modernizing their fleets and adapting to new developments in aircraft and navigation systems.
- From the first passenger jet to the latest advancements in air traffic management technology, these airlines have played a crucial role in pushing the boundaries of technology in the aviation industry, making air travel safer, more efficient, and more accessible to people around the world.
