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David E. Harris, the pioneering aviator who broke barriers as the first Black pilot to fly a commercial plane for a major airline and later became the first Black man to attain the rank of Pilot Captain for a major U.S. commercial airline, passed away at the age of 89, as confirmed by American Airlines on Saturday.
Details regarding the cause and location of Harris’s death were not immediately available.
American Airlines CEO Robert Isom expressed deep sorrow over Harris’s passing, highlighting his pivotal role in aviation history. Isom remarked, “Capt. Harris opened the doors and inspired countless Black pilots to pursue their dreams to fly.” He pledged to uphold Harris’s legacy by continuing to foster access and opportunities for aspiring aviators.
Born on December 22, 1934, in Columbus, Ohio, Harris faced racial discrimination during his education at Ohio State University. Despite encountering initial barriers, he eventually gained admission to the Air Force ROTC program and achieved the rank of cadet colonel.
Harris joined the Air Force in 1958 and served at various bases across Florida, New York, and Texas, where he piloted B-17 and B-52 bomber jets for the Strategic Air Command (SAC), eventually attaining the rank of Captain.
His groundbreaking journey in commercial aviation began on December 3, 1964, when he was hired by American Airlines as the first Black commercial airline pilot for a major U.S. carrier. Subsequently, in 1967, he ascended to the rank of Pilot Captain, marking another historic milestone as the first Black man to hold this position for a major U.S. commercial airline.
Throughout his illustrious career, spanning 30 years with American Airlines, Harris blazed a trail for future generations of aviators. He retired from the Fort Worth-based airline giant in 1997, leaving an indelible mark on the aviation industry.