The airline legacy of Jimmy Carter! Today, as we celebrate President Jimmy Carter’s 100th birthday, it’s worth reflecting on the lasting impact of his administration. While his presidency faced many challenges, including a country grappling with the aftermath of Watergate, the Vietnam War, an energy crisis, and spiraling inflation, there’s one area where his leadership made a profound difference: deregulation.
The Carter administration ushered in a wave of deregulation that reshaped American industries, making them more competitive and efficient. This initiative impacted key sectors like airlines, railroads, trucking, and telecommunications, laying the groundwork for the modern economy. While these reforms were not always perfect or universally praised, they undeniably transformed industries and allowed businesses to compete on a global scale.
As someone who worked summers loading bags for Delta, I witnessed firsthand how deregulation changed the aviation industry. The skies became open to new players, and the liveries of up-and-coming airlines like Southwest Airlines, PeopleExpress, Air Florida, Muse Air, and many others became a common sight. These new airlines were the direct result of the deregulation policies that began under Carter, and they paved the way for the lower fares and increased choices we enjoy today.
Even today’s budget airlines, such as Spirit, Frontier, Alaska, JetBlue, Breeze, and Avelo, owe a debt of gratitude to the groundwork Carter laid. These carriers have not only expanded access to air travel but also driven innovation and efficiency in the industry. As a result, the cost of flying today is less than half of what it was in 1980, when adjusted for inflation.
On this special milestone for President Carter, it’s important to acknowledge his contribution to an industry that keeps people and businesses connected, driving global commerce and creating new opportunities for millions.
