Pioneering Aviator Captain David Harris Dies at 89

Harris made history in 1964, becoming the first African American to fly for a major airline in the U.S.

Ryan Ewing

Monday, March 11, 2024 at 01:44 PM ET

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Captain David Harris began his airline career at American in 1964. (Photo: American Airlines)

Key Takeaways:

David Harris, the first African American pilot to fly a commercial airliner for a major U.S. carrier (American Airlines) and later its first Black captain, has died at the age of 89.
Hired by American Airlines in 1964 after serving in the U.S. Air Force and facing racial discrimination earlier, Harris broke significant barriers in the aviation industry.
His pioneering career, which spanned 30 years at American Airlines until his retirement in 1994, is celebrated for opening doors and inspiring countless Black pilots.

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David Harris, the first African American pilot to fly a commercial airliner for a major U.S. carrier, died Saturday at the age of 89. American Airlines, where Harris was first hired in 1964, confirmed his passing.

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Capt. David E. Harris, a trailblazer in aviation who became the first Black commercial airline pilot when he was hired by American Airlines in 1964. [Captain] Harris opened the doors and inspired countless Black pilots to pursue their dreams to fly,” said American CEO Robert Isom in a statement. “We will honor his legacy by ensuring we continue to create access and opportunities for careers in aviation for those who otherwise might not know it’s possible.”