Speed, Safety, and Comfort: The Origins of Delta Air Lines

James John Hoogerwerf's book "In Speed, Safety, and Comfort: The Origins of Delta Air Lines" traces the evolution and growth of one of America's most successful airlines, Delta Air Lines. It began with the fight against the cotton-devouring boll weevil and evolved into a commercial airline, focusing on passenger transport and air mail. Delta's expansion and survival are anomalies in an industry historically dominated by government and special interests.

Format: Hardback
Length: 200 pages
Publication date: 31 October 2023
Publisher: Louisiana State University Press

In the realm of speed, safety, and comfort, the origins of Delta Air Lines trace back to a time when America faced a formidable challenge: the cotton-devouring boll weevil. This invasive pest wreaked havoc on the southern economy, leading scientists to develop calcium arsenate powder as a solution. To aid in the eradication effort, Huff Daland Company, a military aircraft manufacturer, took on the task of constructing the first plane specifically designed for aerial dispersal of the poison. This innovative approach proved highly effective, and the Huff Daland Dusters, the world's first crop-dusting company, rebranded as Delta Air Service in 1928. With a focus on commercial services, including passenger transport and air mail, Delta began its journey by flying its first passengers from Monroe, Louisiana, eventually expanding its routes across the southeastern United States.

By the eve of World War II, Delta Air Lines had assumed its familiar name and had established itself as a forward-thinking enterprise with a modern fleet of aircraft and a significant increase in revenue from passenger ticket sales. Today, headquartered in Atlanta, Delta boasts a workforce of nearly 90,000 employees and operates over 5,400 flights per day, making it one of the oldest and largest airlines in the world.

What sets Delta apart is its remarkable expansion and survival in an industry historically dominated by government and special interests. James John Hoogerwerf, a former Delta Boeing 767 captain and aviation historian, has masterfully documented the origins of Delta Air Lines in his book, "In Speed, Safety, and Comfort: The Origins of Delta Air Lines." Through his meticulous research, Hoogerwerf underscores the company's profound contribution to agriculture, southern industrialization, and the development of commercial aviation in the United States.

Delta Air Lines' journey from its humble beginnings in crop dusting to becoming a global aviation powerhouse is a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of its founders and employees. The company's commitment to safety, innovation, and customer service has earned it a loyal following and a reputation as a leader in the industry. As Delta continues to navigate the challenges of the modern aviation landscape, it remains a symbol of American ingenuity and a testament to the power of perseverance in the face of adversity.

Weight: 458g
Dimension: 160 x 237 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780807180075