Quantcast

Catherine FitzGerald: The woman who named Delta Air Lines

Wizz Air becomes first airline to operate P&W-powered Airbus A321XLR jet
Hawaiian Airlines’ new ‘no show’ policy may make travel more expensive
BLIMP-SE OF THE FUTURE Luxury zeppelins of the future from ‘flying bum’ world’s largest aircraft to Google billionaire’s ‘impossible’ airship
Swiss Startup SmartFlyer Develops Hybrid-Electric Trainer
San Francisco-based entrepreneur takes a trip on India's worst-rated airline, his reaction will surprise you
First-Time Flyer at 81: A Grandmother's Memorable Journey
Global Airlines Launches Inaugural Flight, Aiming to Revive 'Golden Age of Travel'
Winning routes: American Airlines adds more than 22,000 seats for football fans following release of 2025–2026 pro schedule
Boeing scores Middle East plane deal during Trump visit
Air travel will be ‘worse’ this summer, lawmakers warn — as FAA gives infuriating update on system fixes, staffing issues
United Airlines CEO Reassures Passengers About Newark Airport Safety
American Testing Tech to Help Passengers Make Connecting Flights
British Airways to use AI in efforts to improve operations
American Airlines Tests New Tech to Help Passengers With Tight Connections During Summer Rush
Flight Diverted After Pregnant Woman on Board Goes into Labor and Delivers Her Baby: Report
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby says "this is the most optimistic I've been in my entire career about finally getting the FAA fixed"
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy Unveils Plan to Build Brand New, State-of-the-Art Air Traffic Control System
Passenger rushing for next flight can't believe what woman next to her does
Why fuel price crash won’t make flying cheaper
Kristi Noem says travelers without Real ID will still be able to fly after deadline
Frontier Airlines Announces New Routes Launching This Summer, Connecting Baltimore With Chicago O’Hare and Trenton, N.J. With Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Airlines in North America prioritize investments in cyber, AI
The evolution of the airline uniform — a cross check
Global Airlines & HiFly Operate 1st Passenger Airbus A380 Flight Between Barcelona And Berlin
American Airlines unveils ritzy new plane suites launching this summer
Airline Stocks To Keep An Eye On - April 28th
Gatwick Airport Faces Potential Strikes
50 New Routes Starting In May 2025
Report: JetBlue, United Mulling Partnership
New First-Class Suites, Futuristic Aircraft and the Top Air Travel News From April 2025
Catherine FitzGerald: The woman who named Delta Air Lines
Policy
Webp dagug42bsaqqc7jrqf9nil49seil
Heather Tardif, Vice President – Crew Resources | Delta Air Lines

Delta's name, often associated with the Greek letter, has deeper roots connected to the Mississippi Delta region. The suggestion came from Catherine FitzGerald, a trusted associate of airline founder C.E. Woolman. She proposed "Delta" as a tribute to the area where Huff Daland Dusters, the airline's predecessor, began its operations.

FitzGerald moved to Monroe, Louisiana in 1926 after Huff Daland relocated there with its fleet of bi-planes. Following Woolman's purchase of the company in 1928, FitzGerald became assistant treasurer and served as Woolman's secretary until his death in 1966. She retired in 1968 after over four decades in aviation.

During her tenure at Delta, FitzGerald was one of few women on the company's organizational charts and even served on Delta's Board of Directors from 1930- 1934. A recommendation letter from a former boss highlighted her financial acumen: "I can tell you one thing, you won’t need an adding machine while you got her. "

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

FitzGerald recalled Delta’s family atmosphere during its early years: “Mr. Woolman always impressed on any employee... put yourself on the other side of the counter... Just try and see how they must be thinking about it. ”

Catherine FitzGerald passed away in 1987 without direct descendants but left a significant legacy by donating over $5 million to various charitable organiza- tions.

In recent years, Delta has made strides towards gender equity within its ranks. As of January 2023, women represent33 .9%ofDelta leaders at the V.P.level or above . Employees are encouraged to join SHE ,a women -led business resource group that focuses on professional development and making Delta apreferred employer for women . The airline prioritizes well-being efforts tailored specifically for women , including physical , financial , emotional ,and social aspects .

“During Women’s History Month,” said Allison Ausband,E.V.P.and Chief People Officer,“we reflect onthe contributionsofleaders likeCatherineFitzGeraldwhose influenceand voice continuetobeseenheardallaroundworldthankstoDelta’slegacy.Italsoservesasreminderthatourworkisnotdone–let’spayitforwardsharingourjourneyspavingwaytalentedwomenwhowillcomebehindus.”

The new initiative captures stories from Delta's history featuring people events milestones that have shapedtheairline.Checkbackthroughoutyearformorestoriesexploringpastpresentfutureofairline.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Lufthansa has announced the introduction of unlimited free chatting on its long-haul flights.

Jun 3, 2025

Emirates and Air China have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore an enhanced partnership.

Jun 3, 2025

Air New Zealand is set to expand its fleet with the arrival of two new A321neo aircraft, each covering a distance of 19,342 kilometers from the Airbus facility in Hamburg to Auckland.

Jun 3, 2025

The third daily flight from Dubai to Bahrain, EK835, departed at 0200 hrs and arrived in Bahrain at 0215 hrs.

Jun 3, 2025

Emirates has announced a multi-year partnership with European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR), becoming the Premium Partner and Official Airline Partner of the Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup.

Jun 3, 2025

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced the recipients of its 2025 Diversity & Inclusion Awards.

Jun 2, 2025