1. Humble Beginnings
Delta Air Lines, now a dominant player in the skies, was founded as a tiny aerial crop dusting operation in 1924. Named "Huff Daland Dusters," its main role was to combat the boll weevil infestation that threatened cotton crops, showing how far it has since evolved to become a leading global airline.
2. The Airline’s Unusual Links with the Art World
Delta Air Lines houses one of the largest collections of classic and contemporary art at its headquarters in Atlanta. More than 30,000 pieces, including works by Picasso and other renowned artists, make up this exclusive collection.
3. Pioneers of the Hub and Spoke System
Delta Air Lines was a trailblazer in adopting the hub and spoke system that has become the foundation of modern air transport. This system, initiated in 1955, allows flight routes to resemble a wagon wheel design, enhancing connectivity and flight efficiency.
4. Connection with the Pioneers of Space Exploration
The airline played a decisive role in NASA's historical Apollo 11 mission. Delta Air Lines was entrusted with the responsibility of transporting the crucial Saturn rocket engines, underscoring its position as a trusted player in the airline industry.
5. Delta’s Ever-Expanding Fleet
With nearly 850 aircraft as of 2021, Delta Air Lines operates the world's second-largest fleet of planes. This expansive fleet allows it to offer flight services to more than 300 destinations in over 50 countries.
6. In-Flight Safety Through Entertainment
Delta Air Lines, setting itself apart from other airlines, has utilized famous celebrities in their inflight safety videos. Stars like Alf, the puppet alien from the 80s sitcom, and several internet memes have made appearances, making safety briefings more entertaining and memorable.
7. Recognition as a Top Employer
Delta has been recognized as one of the best places to work, hitting Fortune’s top 100 companies to work for in 2020. It demonstrates the company's dedication and commitment to its workforce.
8. A Mainstay on the Fortune 500
Every year since Fortune magazine started its Fortune 500 list in 1955, Delta Air Lines has had a spot on it. This is a testament to Delta's steady growth and enduring success in the competitive airline industry.
9. Commitment to Green Flying
Delta is also known for its strong commitment to environmental sustainability. It became the first airline to voluntarily cap carbon emissions at 2012 levels and is working to reduce its carbon footprint by investing in sustainable aviation fuels and carbon offsetting programs.
10. The Delta Flight Museum
Delta has its own museum. Opened in 1995, the Delta Flight Museum in Atlanta details the history of Delta and aviation itself, featuring a variety of exhibits, including several of Delta's retired aircraft.
11. Significant Business Class Investment
Delta took a gigantic leap forward in luxury air travel by investing 2 billion dollars in business class upgrades. This investment shows Delta's commitment to offering the highest comfort and service to its customers.
12. One of the World’s Oldest Operating Airlines
Being operational since 1929, Delta holds the distinction of being one of the world's oldest operating airlines, proving its resilient business model.
13. Partnership with Iconic Brands
Delta closely partners with high-profile brands, such as Coca-Cola, to enhance the customer experience. For instance, Delta features Coca-Cola’s signature glass bottle onboard on select flights.
14. Philanthropic Efforts
Delta is committed to giving back to the community. Through its Force for Global Good program, it partners with various charities to tackle critical challenges in communities worldwide.
15. A Hugely Diverse Workforce
Delta Air Lines employs more than 75,000 people of different nationalities, making it one of the most diverse companies. It's something they take great pride in and helps them understand and meet the needs of diverse customer bases.
16. Remarkable On-Time Performance
In 2018 and 2019, Delta received the title for being the most on-time global airline, a testament to its efficiency and impressive operations.
17. Embracing Digital Transformation
Delta has invested significantly in digital transformation. It has incorporated innovative technologies, such as RFID bag tracking, to improve its operational efficiency and customer service.
18. Serving More than 200 Million Travelers a Year
As per recent customer data, Delta serves more than 200 million passengers each year, demonstrating its expansive reach.
19. The Delta Difference
Delta firmly believes in creating "the Delta Difference". They place a great emphasis on enhancing the overall travel experience, which is reflected in their numerous hospitality and customer service awards.
20. A Leader in Pet Travel Options
Delta offers an exclusive service for transporting pets, known as Delta Cargo. The service ensures that pets can travel safely and comfortably to different destinations globally.