Capt. Anthony Holder

Capt. Anthony “Tony” Holder is a Howard University civil engineering graduate, United States Air Force veteran, and trailblazing commercial airline captain. He earned his bachelor’s degree in 1971 as an Air Force ROTC distinguished graduate, received his private pilot’s license, and was commissioned as an officer. He had never been on an airplane before college. At Reese Air Force Base he was the only Black trainee in a class of 60; he earned his wings in 1973 and flew B-52s as a young nuclear-mission pilot during the Cold War. He later completed a master’s degree in systems management and engineering at the University of Southern California.

In 1979 Holder joined FedEx as the company’s fourth African American pilot, after a Tuskegee Airman recruiter opened the door. Over 35 years he flew the Boeing 727, DC-10, MD-11, and Boeing 777, retiring in 2014 with more than 22,000 flight hours. In 2023 the Federal Aviation Administration presented him the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award for 50 years of safe, distinguished flying—the highest recognition in civilian piloting. FedEx later honored his role in the company’s global growth.

Holder has spent his retirement expanding the pipeline he did not have as a young man. He directs the Tuskegee Airmen Aviation and STEM Training program, mentors students who want to fly, and speaks about the cost and the calling of service. He is a 2026 National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame inductee in Community Service.

• Graduated Howard as an Air Force ROTC distinguished graduate. Holder earned a civil engineering degree in 1971, received his private pilot’s license as a student, and was commissioned as an officer—having never been on an airplane before college.
• Earned his wings as the only Black trainee in his Reese AFB class. In a class of 60, he completed undergraduate pilot training in 1973 and flew B-52s as a young nuclear-mission pilot during the Cold War. He later completed a master’s degree in systems management and engineering at the University of Southern California.
• Became FedEx’s fourth African American pilot. Recruited with help from a Tuskegee Airman, he joined the company in 1979 and spent 35 years flying the Boeing 727, DC-10, MD-11, and Boeing 777. He retired in 2014 with more than 22,000 flight hours.
• Received the FAA Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award. In 2023 the Federal Aviation Administration presented him its highest civilian flying honor for 50 years of safe, distinguished service. FedEx has also recognized his role in the company’s global growth.
• Directs Tuskegee Airmen Aviation and STEM Training. In retirement he leads TAAST, mentors students who want to fly, and works to widen a pipeline that was nearly closed to him as a young man.