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Airlines around the world use different naming conventions, such as "airlines," "airways," and "air," but these names largely reflect marketing decisions rather than differences in business models or services. Delta Air Lines, founded in 1929, uses an older spelling that signifies its heritage as the oldest airline still operating in the United States.
The vocabulary for air travel has evolved from previous modes of transportation like ships and trains. For example, Pan Am's pilots wore sea captain uniforms to project professionalism. Similarly, early aircraft were called "flying boats" after sailing ships known as Clippers.
The term "airlines" originated from ocean liners, which referred to routes between two points across oceans. As air travel developed, some companies adopted this terminology. Examples include American Airlines and United Airlines.
