Colonel Lewis Brittin (1877 – 1952)

 Rationale for Inclusion       

• Founder of Northwest Airlines: Colonel Lewis Brittin was the founder of Northwest Airways (later Northwest Airlines), which he established in 1926. This airline would grow to become one of the largest and most influential airlines in the world, playing a critical role in shaping the development of commercial aviation in the United States and internationally. 
• Pioneering Commercial Aviation Routes: Under Brittin’s leadership, Northwest Airways began its operations by flying mail routes, particularly the Chicago-to-St. Paul mail service, which was a key part of the early U.S. air mail system. Brittin helped establish vital commercial air routes, linking the Midwest to the larger national air network. These routes were critical in connecting more remote regions of the U.S. to major urban centers, supporting both commercial air travel and mail delivery, and laying the groundwork for the future expansion of air travel in the United States.
• Development of International Routes: One of Brittin’s lasting legacies was the expansion of Northwest Airlines into international markets, particularly routes to Asia-Pacific. Northwest was one of the first U.S. airlines to establish transpacific flights, connecting the United States to Japan, China, and other countries in the Asia-Pacific region. This move helped establish Northwest as a key player in the global aviation industry and contributed to the growth of international air travel. Brittin’s early push for global connectivity expanded the scope of what commercial aviation could achieve.
• Innovator in Airline Operations: Brittin was an innovator in airline operations, focusing on efficiency and customer service. He was one of the first to recognize the importance of reliability and safety in building public confidence in air travel. His leadership helped Northwest Airlines develop a reputation for excellent service and operational efficiency, which became key elements of the airline’s long-term success. Brittin’s focus on passenger experience and reliability helped Northwest become a trusted name in aviation.
• Enduring Legacy in Commercial Aviation: Colonel Lewis Brittin’s legacy in aviation is profound and enduring. Northwest Airlines, the company he founded, went on to become a major global airline before eventually merging with Delta Air Lines. His vision for connecting cities across the United States and expanding routes internationally has had a lasting impact on the global aviation industry and his work in developing commercial air travel routes continues to influence how airlines operate today.