The very first Delta Air Lines passenger flight took off from Columbia on August 8, 1934 –– 85 years ago yesterday. In honor of 85 years of continuous service, Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) celebrated by offering travelers complimentary snacks + drinks at Delta’s gate yesterday.

Delta first began serving Columbia passengers at Owens Field Airport (now Jim Hamilton-LB Owens Airport) on a seven-passenger Stinson Model T airplane with a flying speed of 100 mph. The first delivery of this aircraft type was in June 1934, and Delta operated six of these planes until retiring them in 1937.

The August 8, 1934 flight from Columbia was on Delta’s new trans-southern route to Dallas, which made eight stops and took 20+ hours to complete. 😳 Travelers paid $87.39 for a roundtrip ticket then – vs. the (still pretty affordable) cost of ~$285 today.

The route, which stretched from Dallas to Charleston, made stops throughout Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia + S.C. This route was a big deal for Delta; helping it grow into one of the world’s leading airlines.

Air travel used to be only for the wealthy – and people dressed to impress on flights – but became affordable over the years with the introduction of economy class and low-fare airlines.

Delta’s Stinson Model T airplane, which serviced Owens Field Airport in 1934 | via flycae.com

Delta Air Lines at Capital Airport (CAE) in 1947 | via flycae.com

“Delta Air Lines has always been a great partner,” said CAE Executive Director, Mike Gula. “We congratulate them on this incredible milestone of continuous air service in Columbia and also thank them for providing our travelers with such excellent service. We’re looking forward to many more years of that same great service as well as continued growth at CAE.”

Explore Delta destinations out of CAE here. 🌎 Ⓟ