Did you realize one of the world’s largest airlines got its start in the crop dusting business? It is an incredible accomplishment for Delta Airlines, which grew from the world’s first crop dusting operation in Macon, Georgia, to become a billion-dollar empire today. Since 1924, its history includes mail contracts with the US government, aircraft training and maintenance during times of war, top-notch passenger service, and a place on the international stage during the Olympic Games.
What brought about the need for crop dusting development goes back to the blight of the boll weevil from Mexico that posed an economic threat to the US agricultural industry in the Southeastern United States from the 1890s-1920s. In response, the US Department of Agriculture in Tallulah, Louisiana, under the direction of Dr. B.R.Coad, directed research into the experimentation of crop dusting to remove the pestilence threat and restore the crops. As a result of the study, the US Congress provided a small grant which provided the aircraft and small dollars towards further research. Two ex-Army Curtiss Jennys from World War I were the first aircraft used for experimental attempts at crop dusting.
In 1923, George Post from New York’s Huff-Daland Airplanes, Inc flew south and encountered mechanical issues, forcing a landing at Tallulah, Louisiana. While there, he discovered the government-supported crop-dusting enterprise and immediately recognized the potential for a commercial enterprise opportunity, thereby creating Huff-Daland Dusters, Inc. In 1924, the company opened for business but proved to be unsuccessful. So, in 1925, Huff-Daland Dusters, Inc moved their headquarters and fleet to Monroe, Louisiana, and leased Selman Field. With 18 aircraft at the outset, the company soon maintained 25, the largest fleet of privately owned planes.
Because agriculture is a seasonal industry, crop dusting became a seasonal service for local farmers. But for a company with a private fleet of aircraft, there had to be a way to keep the planes contracted year-round for profit, so the passenger service was born. In 1928, local Monroe, Louisiana businessman C.E. Woolman invested capital and purchased Huff-Daland’s equipment. Woolman then started a new aviation company in 1928, naming it Delta Air Service, Inc, after the Mississippi Delta region where it was headquartered.
Delta’s first air service contained three five-passenger Travel Air 4000s. In 1929, First Pilot John Howe flew the first air passenger flight, originating at Dallas Love Field, with stopovers in Shreveport, Louisiana, Selman Field Monroe, Louisiana, and a final destination at Jackson, Mississippi. From 1930 onward, the airline route expanded East to Atlanta. But in late 1930-1934, the company lost its passenger service and mail contract, forcing a return to crop dusting and eventually the rebranding of Delta.
In 1934, Delta Airlines reemerged, advertising its service as “The Trans-Southern Route,” adding flight attendants on board each aircraft. During World War II, Delta modified over one thousand aircraft for military service and trained pilots and mechanics to contribute to the war effort. During this period in history, many changes occurred within the country, and the aviation company and it was decided in 1941 to move the headquarters from Monroe, Louisiana, to Atlanta, Georgia. Atlanta was central to Delta’s new flight structure, providing more direct routes to major US cities. From there, the company grew exponentially with the acquisition of Chicago and Southern Airlines in 1953, followed by Northeast Airlines in 1972 and Western Airlines in 1987.
By the 1970s, Delta operated primarily as an air passenger company, increasing its visibility with the addition of the Boeing-747. Nonstop flights from Atlanta to Los Angeles were added to the regular schedule, and the company also included international flights to the Caribbean and Europe. Today, they provide service on five continents. Their distinguishable company logo of a red, white, and blue triangle prism was the first ever launched by an aircraft company and is still distinctive in airports around the globe. Their vision and branding remain relevant into the twenty-first century.
In 1990-1991, Delta once again answered the call to service, and they participated in the Civil Reserve Air Fleet during Operation Desert Storm/Desert Shield, carrying both passengers and military cargo. In 1996, they once again led their assistance when the Summer Olympics were held in Atlanta, and Delta became the official airline for the Games, attracting new customers from far and wide. In addition, they are the official airline for the Atlanta Braves, Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta Hawks, Atlanta United, and UGA Bulldogs sports teams.
From the beginning, Delta Airlines used ingenuity and creative thinking to push its company to the forefront of its field. For example, they were the first airline to ban smoking on all aircraft, offer Coach seating, provide defibrillators, and introduce mobile baggage tracking. In addition, the leadership found ways for the company to prosper in lean years by constantly updating its vision and availability. Founder C.E. Woolman said it best, “The only monotonous thing about the aviation industry is the constant change.”
Today, Delta is one of the premier passenger airline companies in the world, worth approximately $35 billion, and employs over 95,000 workers worldwide, 11% of whom are veterans. However, they are still known for their world-class customer service, southern hospitality, and signature Biscoff cookies served onboard each flight. Delta remains headquartered in Atlanta, continuing to serve as a hub for the busiest airport in the world.
