Delta Air Lines is currently one of the leading airlines in the United States of America. Over the years, the carrier has established itself as a leader in both domestic and international commercial travel, evolving from its humble beginnings into a cornerstone of the travel industry.
Ready for takeoff? Let’s depart into the world of this long-standing USA-based airline. In no particular order, here are 50 ultimate facts about Delta Air Lines, covering topics such as its history and current operations.
Table of Contents
Delta Air Lines’ History
1. Delta Air Lines was founded in March 1925.
2. The airline’s original name was Huff Daland Dusters – the first commercial agricultural flying company.
3. Delta’s first passenger service began in 1929, with a flight from Dallas, Texas, to Jackson, Mississippi, stopping in Shreveport and Monroe, Louisiana, along the way.
4. The airline was renamed Delta Air Corporation in 1930.
5. In 1934, Delta secured a major airmail contract, being awarded Air Mail Route 24.
6. The company officially became Delta Air Lines in 1945.
Expansion and Global Network
7. Delta serves over 300 destinations in more than 50 countries across six continents.
8. The airline operates over 5,000 flights a day.
9. Delta began transatlantic services with a flight from Atlanta to London in 1978.
10. Delta’s first transpacific flight took place in 1987, with a flight from Atlanta to Tokyo via Portland, Oregon.
11. The carrier operates a comprehensive cargo service through Delta Cargo.
12. Delta holds stakes in various airlines, including a significant investment in Virgin Atlantic (49%) and Aeromexico (20%).
13. The airline previously operated a low-cost subsidiary called Song, which merged into Delta Air Lines after three years.
Fleet and Aircraft
14. Delta’s fleet includes 975 active aircraft, according to Air Fleets.
15. The fleet comprises a variety of aircraft models, including the Boeing 737, 757, 767, and 777, as well as the Airbus A220, A320, A321, A330, and A350.
16. Delta was the first airline to launch Douglas DC-8 in 1959.
17. The airline was also the first carrier to launch the Convair 880 in 1960.
18. Delta became the launch carrier for the Douglas DC-9 in 1965.
19. In 1990, the carrier was the first airline to launch the McDonnell Douglas MD-11 in the United States.
20. Delta operates the largest Airbus A330 fleet of any US airline.
Hubs and Presence
21. Delta’s main hub is at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, one of the busiest airports in the world.
22. Delta has a significant presence at the following airports: Boston Logan International Airport, Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport, LaGuardia Airport, Salt Lake City International Airport, Seattle–Tacoma International Airport.
Airline Alliances and Partnerships
23. Delta is one of the founding members of the SkyTeam airline alliance.
24. Delta has established successful joint ventures with airlines such as Air France-KLM, Virgin Atlantic, and Korean Air, enhancing its global network.
25. The airline maintains a variety of codeshare agreements, which include not just its SkyTeam allies but also partnerships with airlines such as LATAM and airBaltic.
Delta Air Lines’ Services
26. The airline operates several premium cabin options, including Delta One, Delta Premium Select, and First Class.
27. Delta One offers a premium business class experience with lie-flat seats, gourmet dining, and dedicated check-in.
28. Delta Comfort+ provides extra legroom and enhanced amenities compared to standard economy.
29. The airline offers basic economy fares for budget travelers.
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30. Delta operates regional services through its subsidiaries, including Delta Connection.
31. The airline has a lounge program called Delta Sky Club, providing exclusive access for premium travelers.
32. Delta’s in-flight entertainment system is called Delta Studio. Since 2023, Delta has implemented Delta Sync seatback on several of its aircraft.
33. The carrier was the first airline to offer Wi-Fi on domestic flights.
34. Delta became the first airline to offer mobile bag tracking through its Fly Delta app.
Leadership and Corporate Information
35. Ed Bastian is the current CEO of Delta Air Lines.
36. The airline’s headquarters is located in Atlanta, Georgia.
37. Delta Air Lines is a publicly traded company, listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “DAL.”
38. The carrier has more than 100,000 employees.
39. Delta operates a profit-sharing program for its employees, who received 10.4% of their eligible earnings in February 2024.
40. Delta acquired Northeast Airlines, a Boston-based carrier, in 1972.
41. The airline merged with Western Airlines in 1987 and Northwest Airlines in 2008.
Safety and On-Time Performance
42. Delta Air Lines has encountered a handful of fatal accidents throughout its history but maintains a commendable safety record.
43. As reported by Travel and Leisure, Delta’s on-time arrival rate for 2023 concluded at 84.72%.
Delta Air Lines’ Frequent Flyer Program
44. Delta’s frequent flyer program is called Delta SkyMiles. SkyMiles members can earn miles through flights, credit card use, and various partners.
45. The SkyMiles program has multiple status tiers, including Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond Medallion.
Milestones, Achievements, and Fun Facts
47. The airline filed for bankruptcy in September 2005 and successfully emerged from it in April 2007.
48. Delta was the first airline to offer mobile bag tracking via the Fly Delta app.
49. The airline has received numerous awards, including Best Airline in North America and Best Airline Staff at the 2024 World Airline Awards.
50. Delta’s current slogan is “Keep Climbing.”
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