Over the years, many airlines have come and gone. Some only lasted a short time, while others spanned several generations. There are a multitude of factors that determine whether or not an airline survives, and an effective marketing mix and realistic PESTE analysis are at the top of the list. When it comes to airlines that have stood the test of time, American Airlines and Delta immediately come to mind. These airlines saw the birth of commercial aviation and the regulations that accompany it. They also experienced the deregulation of 1978 and survived the shutdown of commercial aviation due to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Both airlines survived the Great Depression and the storm of the Great Recession. The branding of American Airlines and Delta Airlines is instantly recognizable thanks to their effective advertising campaigns. Conducting a marketing mix and PESTE analysis will provide additional insights into how these airlines have been able to sustain through the birth of commercial aviation in the next era of the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen ). American Airlines has an extensive history that shows its innovation and longevity as a Part 121 air carrier. American Airlines was established in 1930 as American Airways and served primarily as a mail carrier. In 1934, the airline was renamed American Airlines, and in 1936 it began passenger flight operations (“History of amr,” 2011). They continued to fly passengers into the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s. The 1970s ushered in the jet age, which made increasing air service easier and more efficient ("History of amr”, 2011). After deregulation in 1978, American Airlines moved to middle of paper......). Retrieved from http://news.delta.com/index.php?s=18&cat=39Foust, D. (May 14, 2009). How Delta emerged from bankruptcy. Retrieved from http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/09_21/b4132036798289.htmGreenberg, P. (interpreter) (2006). Inside American Airlines [DVD]. History of Amr Corporation and American Airlines. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.aa.com/i18n/amrcorp/corporateInformation/facts/history.jspMcGrath, M. (November 27, 2013). The merger of American airlines and airways is officially allowed to take off. Retrieved from http://www.forbes.com/sites/maggiemcgrath/2013/11/15/the-new-american-airlines-lands-a-new-ticker-symbol/United Steelworkers USW; USW welcomes Delta's purchase of a refinery in the Philadelphia area. (2012). Transportation Business Journal, , 116. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com.ezproxy.libproxy.db.erau.edu/docview/1011997555?accountid=27203