Quantcast

Catherine FitzGerald: The woman who named Delta Air Lines

Southwest's layoffs dent its worker-first culture
Abu Dhabi's long-haul carrier Etihad Airways sees record $476 million profit in 2024
Jet2 warns of profits squeeze from rising costs and late bookings
Hong Kong Airlines launches daily Sydney flights
Airline to launch new bunk beds in economy on long-haul flights next year
How Airline Employees Are Coping After Deadly Washington Crash
Major airline reverses in-flight menu change amid outcry
British Airways frequent flyer scheme changes: everything you need to know
Airline introduces world-first hand luggage ban on popular travel gadget
Air Canada Delays Boeing 767 Reentry
Flight Centre tips ‘price war’ as first direct Melbourne to LA Delta flights go on sale
FAA reverses course on meeting prohibition, blaming rogue employee
British Airways tweaks frequent flyer scheme after backlash
Delta flight from New York to Florida diverted to North Carolina due to ‘odor in the cabin’
EASA Certifies Safran’s First Electric Motor
US court blocks Biden administration's airline fee disclosure rule
JetBlue Issues Dim Outlook But Execs Remain Confident in Turnaround Plan
Delta to Resume Tel Aviv Flights April 1
Boeing CEO Ortberg outlines 2025 priorities after heavy losses
Storm Eowyn: Thousands of trains, flights and ferries cancelled as 100mph wind batters UK
Indian carrier long haul: IndiGo returns to profitability, plans long haul flights
These Frequent Fliers Are Done With Loyalty Programs
JetBlue accepting Venmo as payment method for flights purchased through mobile app
United Airlines stock rallies on results, as growing demand wasn’t just about premium seats
Delta Adds Another Alaska Route
Southwest to Reduce Pilot Head Count at Several Bases
Dublin Airport savings boost for holidaymakers – but passengers need to be quick
American Halts CRJ-200 Operations
Shanghai Airlines to Launch Casablanca Route
Delta employees to receive an average five weeks of pay in annual profit sharing
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

At the Routes Asia Conference 2025, four prominent Asian airlines shared insights into their current challenges and strategic changes they are implementing.

Apr 3, 2025

Delta Air Lines has announced a major enhancement in its connectivity services with the rollout of fast, free Wi-Fi across its transatlantic network, encompassing destinations in Europe, Israel, and West Africa.

Apr 3, 2025

After a trip from Nashville to Seattle, Jeanette Kronquist encountered an unexpected issue with her rental car reservation.

Apr 3, 2025

FedEx, het grootste exprestransportbedrijf ter wereld, heeft een nieuwe locatie in Amsterdam geopend, waarmee het zijn logistieke capaciteit in Nederland verder uitbreidt.

Apr 3, 2025

The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is under the spotlight for its annual fee of $95, as cardholders and potential applicants weigh the benefits against the costs.

Apr 3, 2025

Eurowings is set to enhance its partnership with Smartwings by extending its service network from Prague’s Václav Havel Airport.

Apr 3, 2025