Today, we honor Air Force Veteran David E. Harris, who flew bombers for the U.S. military and broke barriers in 1964 when he became the first Black pilot hired at a major U.S. airline. Harris flew for the Air Force for more than six years but struggled to find work in the airline industry. Before he went to work for American Airlines, his job applications were rejected or ignored, he said. Even 60 years after Harris’ hiring, Blacks employees remain underrepresented in aviation. Black people make up 12.8% of the U.S. population but only 3.6% of pilots. American Airlines CEO Robert Isom called Harris a trailblazer saying, “Capt. Harris opened the doors and inspired countless Black pilots to pursue their dreams to fly,” Just last week, David Harris died at the age of 89. Thank you for inspiring David and THANK YOU for your service.
