Quantcast

Catherine FitzGerald: The woman who named Delta Air Lines

LA Considers $25 And $30 Minimum Wages For Hotel And Airport Workers
Airlines are on the hook for more than you think if something goes wrong with your trip
Spirit Airlines Pursues Bankruptcy as a Path to Tie-Up With Frontier
American Airlines fined $50M for violating disability laws
Canada's flight attendant union applauds NDP bill to end unpaid work in the airline sector
American Airlines testing new technology that would crack down on boarding
Exciting New Airline Routes Coming to North
Another city ignores airport commission's advice, zones for housing near JWA
United shares hit pre-pandemic high after airline forecasts strong finish to 2024, plans buyback
Alaska Airlines Just Made Its Loyalty Program Even More Lucrative With New Rewards, Better Upgrades, and More
Food safety problem closes Detroit airline kitchen leaving 200 flights without meals
5 Reasons Why Kazakhstan's Air Astana Is Establishing Itself As A Key Player In Asian Aviation
JetBlue is no longer serving hot food in economy class on transatlantic flights
Video shows traveler hurl computer monitor at Frontier employees in Chicago
White House 'in touch' with airlines as hurricanes Helene, Milton spark price-gouging fears
Airline bans two items from luggage amid conflict in the Middle East
Turkish Airlines pilot dies midflight, leading to emergency landing in New York
Spirit Airlines Explores Bankruptcy Filing
Airlines turn to AI to allocate gates and cut waiting times
American Airlines Passengers Save Woman from Alleged Violent Male Companion on Flight
Garuda Indonesia and Japan Airlines (JAL) Form Joint Business Agreement — What To Know
Here's how Southwest Airlines' new seating and boarding process will work
Delta Adds New Route to Asia
Southwest Airlines will begin selling assigned seats in 2025
United Airlines Pilot Buys Passengers Pizza In Albuquerque After Flight Was Delayed 7 Hours
Czech Airlines to Cease Operations, Ending 23-Year SkyTeam Partnership
An Asian airline hopes launching one of the world's longest narrowbody routes will actually be a comfort upgrade for passengers
Airlines begin canceling flights, offering rebooking ahead of Hurricane Helene
Southwest Airlines to cut service and staffing in Atlanta to slash costs
New heights, new features: Discover Alaska’s enhanced Flight Pass subscription service
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

London Heathrow, recognized as Europe's busiest airport, will soon experience an increase in its flight offerings by Oman Air.

Sep 2, 2025

Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport will commence safety and airfield improvement projects on Runway 12R-30L in two distinct phases throughout 2025.

Aug 22, 2025

Delta Air Lines is adjusting its service between Atlanta and Anchorage, extending flights beyond the summer travel season to a year-round offering.

May 15, 2025

In December 2022, Southwest Airlines faced a major crisis as operational challenges led to the cancellation of 16,900 flights, affecting nearly two million passengers during a peak travel period.

Apr 19, 2025

Harrison Ford, an acclaimed actor known for roles such as Han Solo in "Star Wars" and Indiana Jones, is also a noted aviation enthusiast.

Apr 19, 2025

Iberia Airlines has confirmed a notable shift in its flight schedule connecting Madrid and Dallas/Fort Worth, introducing its first overnight service from Europe to the US.

Apr 19, 2025