History of Delta Air Lines in Timeline
Delta Air Lines is a major U.S. airline based in Atlanta, Georgia. Operating from nine hubs, with Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport as its largest, Delta provides over 5,400 daily flights to 325 destinations in 52 countries across six continents. Delta's regional operations are branded as Delta Connection. As a founding member of the SkyTeam alliance, Delta extends its global reach through partnerships. It is the second-oldest operating commercial airline in the United States.
March 2, 1925: Huff Daland Dusters, Inc. founded in Macon, Georgia
On March 2, 1925, Huff Daland Dusters, Inc., which later became Delta Air Lines, was founded in Macon, Georgia. This was the world's first aerial crop dusting operation.
December 3, 1928: Delta Air Service incorporated
On December 3, 1928, Delta Air Service was incorporated and named after the Mississippi Delta region.
June 17, 1929: Passenger operations began
On June 17, 1929, Delta Air Service began passenger operations from Dallas, Texas, to Jackson, Mississippi, with stops in Shreveport and Monroe, Louisiana.
June 1930: Service extended east to Atlanta and west to Fort Worth, Texas
In June 1930, Delta's passenger service had extended east to Atlanta and west to Fort Worth, Texas.
October 1930: Passenger service ceased
In October 1930, passenger service ceased when the airmail contract for the route Delta had pioneered was awarded to another airline, which purchased the assets of Delta Air Service.
December 31, 1930: Delta Air Corporation incorporated
On December 31, 1930, Delta Air Service crop-dusting assets were purchased back and the company incorporated as Delta Air Corporation.
1934: Secured an airmail contract
In 1934, Delta Air Corporation secured an airmail contract and began doing business as Delta Air Lines over Mail Route 24, stretching from Fort Worth, Texas, to Charleston, South Carolina.
1941: Relocated its corporate offices to Greater Atlanta
Delta Air Lines relocated its corporate offices from Monroe, Louisiana, to Greater Atlanta in 1941.
1941: Headquarters moved to Atlanta
In 1941, Delta moved its headquarters from Monroe, Louisiana, to its current location in Atlanta.
1945: Company name officially became Delta Air Lines
In 1945, the company name officially became Delta Air Lines.
1946: Commenced regularly scheduled freight transport
In 1946, Delta Air Lines commenced regularly scheduled freight transport.
1953: Launched first international routes
In 1953, Delta Air Lines launched its first international routes after the acquisition of Chicago and Southern Air Lines.
1959: First airline to fly the Douglas DC-8
In 1959, Delta Air Lines was the first airline to fly the Douglas DC-8.
1959: Logo Unveiled
In 1959, Delta's logo, often called the "widget", was originally unveiled. Its triangle shape is taken from the Greek letter delta, and recalls the airline's early history operating in the Mississippi Delta. It is also said to be reminiscent of the swept-wing design of the DC-8, Delta's first jet aircraft.
1960: First airline to fly Convair 880 jets
In 1960, Delta Air Lines was the first airline to fly Convair 880 jets.
1960: City of Atlanta annexation of the Hartsfield old terminal
The City of Atlanta annexed the Hartsfield old terminal in 1960.
1964: Launched Deltamatic reservation systems
In 1964, Delta Air Lines launched the Deltamatic reservation systems using computers in the IBM 7070 series.
1965: First airline to fly the McDonnell Douglas DC-9
In 1965, Delta Air Lines was the first airline to fly the McDonnell Douglas DC-9.
1966: Delta ceased crop dusting
Delta ceased crop dusting in 1966; the crop dusting division of Delta remained headquartered in Monroe until then.
1970: Had an all-jet fleet
By 1970, Delta Air Lines had an all-jet fleet.
1972: Acquired Northeast Airlines
In 1972, Delta Air Lines acquired Northeast Airlines.
August 3, 1981: Annexation of land approved by the Atlanta City Council
On August 3, 1981, the Atlanta City Council approved the annexation of 141 acres (57 ha) of land, an area containing the Delta headquarters.
September 1981: Airline sued the city
In September 1981, Delta Air Lines sued the city, challenging the annexation on the basis of the constitutionality of the 1960 City of Atlanta annexation of the Hartsfield old terminal.
1981: Launched a frequent-flyer program
In 1981, Delta Air Lines launched a frequent-flyer program.
1990: First airline in the United States to fly McDonnell Douglas MD-11 jets
In 1990, Delta Air Lines was the first airline in the United States to fly McDonnell Douglas MD-11 jets.
1991: Acquired substantially all of Pan Am's trans-Atlantic routes and the Pan Am Shuttle
In 1991, Delta Air Lines acquired substantially all of Pan Am's trans-Atlantic routes and the Pan Am Shuttle, rebranded as the Delta Shuttle, becoming the leading airline across the Atlantic.
1995: Founded as a provider of temporary staffing for Delta primarily in Atlanta
In 1995, DGS was founded as a provider of temporary staffing for Delta primarily in Atlanta.
1997: First airline to board more than 100 million passengers in a calendar year and began an expansion of its international routes into Latin America
In 1997, Delta Air Lines was the first airline to board more than 100 million passengers in a calendar year. Also in 1997, Delta began an expansion of its international routes into Latin America.
November 27, 2001: Delta Air Lines launched SkyBonus
On November 27, 2001, Delta Air Lines launched SkyBonus, a program aimed toward small-to-medium businesses spending between $5,000 and $500,000 annually on air travel. Businesses can earn points toward free travel and upgrades, as well as Sky Club memberships and SkyMiles Silver Medallion status.
July 2003: Delta airline started buy-on-board program
In July 2003, Delta Air Lines started the buy-on-board service on a few selected flights, and the meal service was initially offered on 400 flights. Prices ranged up to $10.
2003: Launched Song, a low-cost carrier
In 2003, Delta Air Lines launched Song, a low-cost carrier.
March 2005: Delta stopped providing pillows on flights within the 48 contiguous U.S. states, Bermuda, Canada, the Caribbean, and Central America
Beginning in mid-March 2005, Delta Air Lines planned to stop providing pillows on flights within the 48 contiguous U.S. states, Bermuda, Canada, the Caribbean, and Central America.
September 14, 2005: Filed for bankruptcy
On September 14, 2005, Delta Air Lines filed for bankruptcy, citing rising fuel costs.
April 2007: Emerged from bankruptcy
In April 2007, Delta Air Lines emerged from bankruptcy after fending off a hostile takeover from US Airways, and its shares were re-listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
2007: New Livery Introduced
In 2007, Delta introduced its current "Upward & Onward" livery as part of a re-branding after emerging from bankruptcy. The new livery consists of four colors, while the old one (called "colors in motion") uses eight. This switch saved the airline money by reducing painting cycle time. The airline took four years to repaint all aircraft, including those from Northwest Airlines.
April 14, 2008: Acquisition of Northwest Airlines announced
On April 14, 2008, the acquisition of Northwest Airlines by Delta Air Lines was announced.
October 29, 2008: Acquisition of Northwest Airlines approved and consummated
On October 29, 2008, Delta Air Lines' acquisition of Northwest Airlines was approved and consummated. Northwest continued to operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of Delta.
2008: Environmental Award
In 2008, Delta Air Lines received an award from the United States Environmental Protection Agency's Design for the Environment (DfE) program for its use of PreKote. This is a more environmentally friendly, non-hexavalent chromium surface pretreatment on its aircraft, replacing hazardous chemicals formerly used to improve paint adhesion and prevent corrosion. In addition, PreKote reduces water usage by two-thirds and reduces wastewater treatment.
2008: Safety Video Goes Viral
In early 2008, as part of the re-branding project, a safety video featuring a flight attendant was posted on YouTube, garnering over 1 million views and attention from news outlets. The flight attendant, Katherine Lee, was dubbed "Deltalina" by a member of FlyerTalk for her resemblance to Angelina Jolie. Delta had considered several styles for its current safety video, including animation, before opting for a video presenting a flight attendant speaking to the audience. The video was filmed on a former Song Airlines Boeing 757-200.
December 31, 2009: Northwest Airlines operating certificate merged into Delta's
On December 31, 2009, Northwest Airlines' operating certificate was merged into that of Delta Air Lines.
January 31, 2010: Integration with Northwest Airlines completed
On January 31, 2010, Delta Air Lines completed its integration with Northwest Airlines. The computer reservations system and websites were combined, and the Northwest Airlines brand was officially retired.
2010: Merged SkyBonus program with Northwest's Biz Perks program
In early 2010, Delta Air Lines merged its SkyBonus program with Northwest's similar Biz Perks program.
2015: Cabin branding upgrade
In 2015, Delta Air Lines underwent a cabin branding upgrade. Availability and exact details vary by route and aircraft type.
April 2016: New Premium Economy cabin added
In April 2016, Delta CEO Ed Bastian announced that a new Premium Economy cabin would be added. Renamed to Premium Select, this cabin would feature extra legroom; adjustable leg rests; extra seat pitch, width, and recline; and a new premium service.
August 2016: Introduction of Delta One Suites announced
In August 2016, Delta Air Lines announced the introduction of Delta One Suites on select widebody fleets. The suites would feature a door to the aisle for enhanced privacy, as well as improved storage space, a larger IFE screen, and an updated design.
July 2017: Delta One Suites rolled out on the Airbus A350 fleet
In July 2017, the Delta One Suites rolled out on the Airbus A350 fleet after the first delivery.
2017: Delta introduced Premium Select on its new Airbus A350
In 2017, Delta introduced Premium Select on its new Airbus A350, first delivered in fall.
October 2018: Selling first class seats on domestically configured Boeing 757 aircraft flying transatlantic routes as Premium Select
In October 2018, Delta announced that it would be selling first class seats on domestically configured Boeing 757 aircraft flying transatlantic routes as Premium Select.
December 21, 2018: Sold majority ownership of DAL Global Services to Argenbright Holdings
On December 21, 2018, Delta Air Lines sold majority ownership of DAL Global Services to Argenbright Holdings. As part of the sale, Delta dissolved the staffing division of DGS.
January 2019: Delta no longer offered single-day passes
As of January 2019, Delta Air Lines no longer offered single-day passes for the Delta Sky Club.
July 2019: Delta began retrofitting a new seat on the 767-400ER
Also in July 2019, Delta began retrofitting a new seat on the 767-400ER, which featured increased privacy and design similar to Delta One Suites, though without a privacy door. Delta's Airbus A330-900, which began revenue service for the airline in July 2019, also features Delta One Suites.
2019: A330-900 offers Premium Select
Delta's A330-900, delivered in 2019, also offers Premium Select.
December 2021: Basic Economy travelers no longer earn award miles or medallion qualifying miles
As of December 2021, Basic Economy travelers with Delta Air Lines no longer earn award miles (used for redeeming free travel, for example) or medallion qualifying miles (which count towards elite status).
2021: Began retrofitting many of its 767-300ER and older A330 aircraft with Premium Select
In 2021, Delta began retrofitting many of its 767-300ER and older A330 aircraft with Premium Select.
December 31, 2021: Mainline aircraft fly to 242 destinations, serving 52 countries across six continents
As of December 31, 2021, Delta's mainline aircraft fly to 242 destinations, serving 52 countries across six continents.
2022: Carbon Offset Investments Reduced
Despite purchasing 9.7 million metric tonnes of carbon offsets in 2022, Delta began moving away from such investments by the end of March of that year. Instead, the focus shifted to reducing emissions from company operations.
2022: Topped The Wall Street Journal's annual rankings of airlines
In 2022, Delta topped The Wall Street Journal's annual rankings of airlines.
May 2023: Consumer Class Action Lawsuit Filed
In May 2023, Delta Air Lines faced a consumer class action lawsuit filed in Central California U.S. District Court. The lawsuit contested marketing claims that the company is the world's first carbon neutral airline.
2023: High On-Time Arrival Rate
In 2023, Delta flights arrived at their destination on time 84.72% of the time, surpassing the North American industry average of 74.45% according to Cirium. Delta also completed 98.82% of its scheduled flights.
2023: Topped The Wall Street Journal's annual rankings of airlines
In 2023, Delta topped The Wall Street Journal's annual rankings of airlines.
February 2024: Delta announced a new, more exclusive or premium level of Sky Club lounge aimed at high-spending travelers
In February 2024, Delta Air Lines announced a new, more exclusive or premium level of Sky Club lounge aimed at high-spending travelers. The first would be at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport, followed by those in Boston's Logan International Airport and Los Angeles International Airport later in the year.
June 24, 2024: Skytrax Awards
On June 24, 2024, Delta Air Lines was voted 2024 Best Airline in North America and Best Airline Staff Service in North America by Skytrax.
July 2024: Flight Cancellations and Disruption
In July 2024, Delta canceled over 7,000 flights following the 2024 CrowdStrike incident, causing significant disruption. The incident resembled the 2022 Southwest Airlines scheduling crisis.
July 19, 2024: Global Outage Lawsuit
Delta Air Lines v. CrowdStrike is a legal dispute stemming from a massive global outage on July 19, 2024, caused by a faulty software update from CrowdStrike, which crashed Microsoft Windows systems worldwide and disrupted critical industries, including air travel. Delta was the hardest-hit airline, with over 7,000 canceled flights, losses estimated at $550 million, and significant operational setbacks. Delta sued CrowdStrike for gross negligence, fraud, and computer trespass.
July 23, 2024: Department of Transportation Investigation
On Tuesday, July 23, 2024, United States Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg announced that the Department of Transportation would launch an investigation into the events that prevented Delta Air Lines from swiftly recovering from the disruption, as other airlines had. Over the course of the event, over 500,000 passengers were inconvenienced, according to Delta CEO Ed Bastian, and over 3,000 complaints had been lodged with the government according to the Department of Transportation.
December 2024: Employs nearly 103,000 people
As of December 2024, Delta Air Lines employs nearly 103,000 people between its mainline operation and subsidiaries.
2024: Operated 893 daily flights out of its Atlanta main hub in the summer
Delta and its worldwide alliance partners operated more than 15,000 flights per day, having operated 893 daily flights out of its Atlanta main hub in the summer of 2024.
2024: Topped The Wall Street Journal's annual rankings of airlines and earned first place in the 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Airlines in the U.S. by Condé Nast Traveler
In 2024, Delta topped The Wall Street Journal's annual rankings of airlines and earned first place in the 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Airlines in the U.S. by Condé Nast Traveler.
2024: Exclusive Delta One Clubs slated to open
In 2024, exclusive Delta One Clubs for customers traveling in business class are slated to open at New York–Kennedy, Los Angeles, and Boston.
April 2025: Ceiling Panel Incidents
In April 2025, two Delta Air Lines flights experienced incidents in which ceiling panels detached mid-flight, injuring at least one passenger. The events occurred on a Boeing 757 and a Boeing 717, leading to scrutiny of Delta’s maintenance practices.
May 2025: Operates or has previously operated to the following destinations
As of May 2025, Delta Air Lines operates or has previously operated to the following destinations. This table does not include destinations served by Delta's regional subsidiary, Delta Connection.
2025: Introduced several service upgrades to improve customer experience
As part of its efforts to improve customer experience, Delta introduced several service upgrades in 2025. These included free Wi-Fi access for SkyMiles members on most domestic flights, expanded Delta Sky Club lounge facilities, and new premium dining options featuring branded offerings such as Shake Shack.
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