The first Black pilot of a commercial airline has died at 89

American Airlines has announced the passing of Capt. David E. Harris. In 1964, Harris became the first Black pilot of a commercial airline when American hired him. (American Airlines)

In 1964, David Harris broke the color barrier in commercial aviation when he was hired by American Airlines. Harris joined the company after serving as a captain in the U.S. Air Force flying B-52 bombers.

"It's the greatest job in the world. I flew and flew and flew and was ready to fly more in my life," Harris told NPR in 2022. "I would have done it another 30 years had I not grown old."