Collett Everman "C.E." Woolman was an American aviation pioneer and the principal founder of Delta Air Lines.
Born in Bloomington, Indiana, in 1889, Woolman earned his bachelor's degree at Western Illinois State Teachers College and a master's degree from the University of Illinois. He began his career as a school administrator and then as an agricultural extension agent for the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Woolman's journey into aviation started when he moved to Louisiana to work on a project to combat the boll weevil infestation that was devastating cotton crops in the South. He recognized the potential of aircraft to dust the crops with insecticide, and in 1924, he started a crop-dusting operation called Huff Daland Dusters, which was the largest private dusting business in the world at the time.
In 1928, Woolman led a group of local investors to buy Huff Daland Dusters, and the company was renamed Delta Air Service, after the Mississippi Delta region it served. The company initially offered passenger service between Dallas, Texas, and Jackson, Mississippi, but suspended it after a few months due to financial difficulties.
In 1934, after the Air Mail Act allowed private airlines to carry mail, Woolman resumed passenger service and began to expand Delta's network throughout the South. Despite the challenges of the Great Depression and World War II, Woolman managed to keep the airline afloat and growing.
Under Woolman's leadership, Delta Air Lines became known for its customer-focused approach. He often said, "Delta is a service business with airplanes," emphasizing the importance of customer service in the airline industry. His philosophy was to take care of the airline's employees so they would take care of the customers, which helped Delta to build a strong reputation for service.
Woolman served as the CEO of Delta Air Lines from its founding until his death in 1966. His leadership and vision played a crucial role in the growth and success of Delta. Today, Delta Air Lines is one of the largest and most successful airlines in the world, and Woolman's legacy continues to influence its values and operations.
Comments