Delta Airlines is a major legacy airline in business for nearly 100 years.
It is one of the largest airlines found in North America as well as being a brand recognized all over the world.
In this guide, we will provide you with important facts about Delta Airlines including its history, the aircraft they fly, its amenities, and Delta’s commitment to safety.
A Glimpse into the History of Delta Airlines
Delta Airlines got its start in a very unique way to popular belief.
Crop dusting to Passenger Service
During the 1920s, the company that is to become Delta was the first crop-dusting air service in the United States. In 1925, there was a boll weevil bug infestation that was wreaking havoc amongst America’s farming cotton crops.
A group of scientists with the United State Department of Agriculture center along with Army Air Force pilots and their planes decided to test spraying crops with insecticide from those airplanes. The Huff-Deland Aero Corporation helped the effort by building the first airplane dedicated to “crop dusting”. These forces combined to become a crop-dusting company based out of Macon, Georgia.
C.E. Woolman purchased this company in 1928 and added passenger services along with the crop-dusting. He moved the company’s headquarters to Louisana and renamed it Delta Air Services after the Mississippi River Delta region, the idea of his secretary Catherine Fitzgerald.
By the turn of the 1930s, Delta was offering its first passenger flights from Dallas, Texas to Mississippi with stops in Louisana. They expanded their presence by starting service from Atlanta, Georgia to Forth Worth, Texas.
Service Expansions and the Jet Age
Delta Airlines didn’t expand its service from outside of the Southeast and Texas until the 1940s when the airline moved its headquarters to Atlanta, Georgia. They began offering flights to cities as North as Chicago in 1943.
The turn of the 1960s ushered in the jet age which helped Delta expand westward offering service from Atlanta to California. It became an all-jet airline in 1970.
Takeovers and Bankruptcy
In the late 1980s and ’90s, Delta grew in size thanks to some mergers of bankrupt airlines. Most notably, they purchased the rights of Pan Am’s transatlantic routes in 1991 becoming the largest U.S carrier offering flights across the pond.
In the mid-2000s Delta was on the verge of bankruptcy. They filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection conveniently at the same time as Northwest Airlines, whom they merged with several years later. There was lots of cost-cutting, layoffs, and restructuring but Delta reemerged from its struggles with bankruptcy in 2007.
Delta Today
Today, Delta Airlines is one of the United States’ largest airlines in terms of aircraft in its inventory, passengers flown each year, and the number of routes.
Quick Facts About Delta Airlines
Year Founded: 1924
Years of Operation: 98 years
Airline Type: Major
Call Sign: DELTA
Website: http://delta.com/
Facts About Delta Airlines Aircraft Fleet
Delta Airlines has a total of 877 aircraft.
Delta Airlines most commonly flies the Boeing 737-900ER, Airbus A321-200, and Boeing 757-200.
Delta Airline Boeing 737-900
The Boeing 737-900 is a popular narrow-body aircraft known for its versatility and efficiency. With a capacity to carry up to 215 passengers, it offers a comfortable and reliable flying experience.
Equipped with advanced technology and powerful engines, the 737-900 delivers impressive performance in terms of speed, range, and fuel efficiency.
Whether it’s short-haul domestic flights or medium-range international journeys, this aircraft is a trusted choice for airlines worldwide, providing a seamless travel experience for passengers while maintaining operational excellence.
Delta Airlines Airbus A321
The Airbus A321-200 is a popular commercial aircraft that is known for its comfort and efficiency. It features spacious interiors, advanced technology, and low fuel consumption, making it a popular choice for airlines worldwide.
Delta Airlines Boeing 757-200
The Boeing 757-200 is a highly regarded narrow-body aircraft renowned for its exceptional performance and flexibility.
Designed to accommodate approximately 200 passengers, it strikes a perfect balance between capacity and range. With its powerful engines and aerodynamic design, the 757-200 offers impressive speed and fuel efficiency, making it ideal for both short and medium-haul flights.
Its spacious cabin provides a comfortable environment for passengers, while its robust structure allows for reliable and smooth operations.
Airlines value the 757-200 for its versatility, making it a preferred choice for various routes and mission profiles.
Delta Airline Seating Configurations and Amenities
Delta Main Cabin (Economy)
Delta’s Main Cabin, also known as Economy class, offers a comfortable and affordable option for travelers. With ergonomically designed seats and ample legroom, passengers can relax and enjoy their journey.
Onboard, passengers can access a wide range of entertainment options and stay connected with Wi-Fi service.
Additionally, Delta’s Main Cabin ensures a pleasant flight experience with a friendly and attentive cabin crew, providing a reliable choice for budget-conscious travelers.
All Delta Aircraft use economy seating.
Delta Premium Select
Delta Premium Select offers a step above Economy class, providing a more enhanced and premium experience for passengers.
With spacious seats that recline further and offer additional legroom, travelers can unwind and stretch out during their flight. Passengers in Delta Premium Select also enjoy a dedicated cabin crew, ensuring personalized service throughout the journey.
Added amenities like complimentary premium entertainment and priority boarding further enhance the overall travel experience, making Delta Premium Select an excellent choice for those seeking extra comfort and convenience.
The following Delta Aircraft offer Premium Select Seating:
- Airbus A330
- Airbus A350
First Class
Delta’s First Class provides the epitome of luxury and exclusivity in air travel. Passengers in First Class enjoy the utmost comfort with spacious, fully reclining seats and generous legroom. Travelers can savor chef-curated meals and indulge in a selection of fine wines and spirits.
With access to premium lounges and dedicated check-in counters, First Class passengers enjoy a seamless and privileged travel experience from start to finish.
From personalized service to enhanced amenities, Delta’s First Class ensures an unparalleled journey for discerning travelers.
The following Delta Aircraft offer First Class Seating:
- Airbus A220
- Airbus A320
- Airbus A321
- Boeing 717
- Boeing 737
- Boeing 757
- Bombardier CRJ-200 (Delta Connection)
- Bombardier CRJ-900 (Delta Connection)
- Embraer E170 (Delta Connection – Republic Airlines)
- Embraer E175 (Delta Connection – SkyWest Airlines or Republic Airlines )
Delta Comfort+
Delta Comfort+ is a premium economy offering that strikes the perfect balance between affordability and added comfort. Passengers can enjoy extra legroom and wider seats, providing a more spacious and relaxed seating experience.
Travelers in Delta Comfort+ also benefit from priority boarding, ensuring a hassle-free start to their journey. Along with complimentary snacks and beverages, passengers can stay entertained with an extensive selection of movies, shows, and games.
Delta Comfort+ caters to those seeking an elevated travel experience without the full luxury of First Class, making it a popular choice among passengers.
The following Delta Aircraft offer Comfort+ Seating:
- Airbus A220
- Airbus A320
- Airbus A321
- Airbus A330
- Airbus A350
- Boeing 717
- Boeing 737
- Boeing 757
- Boeing 767
- Bombardier CRJ-200 (Delta Connection – Endeavor Air or SkyWest Airlines)
- Bombardier CRJ-700 (Delta Connection – Endeavor Air or SkyWest Airlines)
- Bombardier CRJ-900 (Delta Connection – Endeavor Air or SkyWest Airlines)
- Embraer E170 (Delta Connection – Republic Airlines)
- Embraer E175 (SkyWest Airlines or Republic Airlines)
Delta One
Delta One represents the pinnacle of luxury and sophistication in air travel. Designed for the most discerning travelers, Delta One offers a private and exclusive experience.
Passengers can unwind in fully lie-flat seats with direct aisle access, providing the utmost privacy and comfort. Gourmet dining options crafted by renowned chefs and a selection of premium wines and spirits ensure a gastronomic delight onboard.
Delta One passengers receive personalized service from a dedicated flight attendant, ensuring their every need is met.
With access to exclusive lounges and priority services, Delta One delivers an unparalleled journey for those seeking the highest level of luxury.
The following Delta Aircraft offer Delta One Seating:
- Airbus A330
- Airbus A350
- Boeing 767
Delta Airlines Flights and Operations
Delta currently flies to 214 domestic destinations and 87 international destinations in 56 countries.
Delta Airlines Hubs and Focus Cities
Delta Airlines utilizes the following locations as its hub or focus cities.
- Atlanta (KATL)
- Boston (KBOS)
- Detroit (KDTW)
- Los Angeles (KLAX)
- Minneapolis/St. Paul (KMSP)
- New York City – Kennedy (KJFK)
- New York City – LaGuardia (KLGA)
- Salt Lake City (KSLC)
- Seattle Tacoma (KSEA)
Delta Airlines Most Popular Flight Destinations
- Atlanta to Orlando
- New York City to Boston
- Atlanta to Boston
- Atlanta to New York City
- Los Angeles to Atlanta
- Atlanta to Fort Lauderdale
- Atlanta to West Palm Beach
- Atlanta to Washington D.C
- Atlanta to Detriot
- Atlanta to Jacksonville
Delta Airlines On-Time Performance
Delta Airlines is one of the United States’ favorite airlines because of its on-time performance. Year in and year out, it is always at the top of the pack when it comes to arriving and departing on time.
In 2022, Delta earned the Cirrum’s Platinum Award which is given to the airline that demonstrates the best global operations excellence. It achieve a staggering 83% on-time percentage in 2022. The North American airline industry benchmark tracked by Cirrum was around 71%.
One thing contributing to Delta’s on-time success is its efforts to optimize the boarding procedure. They have had a history of experimenting with software designed to reduce the amount of gate congestion.
They were experimenting with software that manages the flow of passengers proceeding to the gate by splitting the boarding groups into even smaller groups. For example, Delta on some flights utilizes seven boarding groups.
With this new technology in place, they divide those seven groups into an even larger number like 20 or 30 groups. Essentially, it reduces the number of people queueing at the gate trying to get on the plane.
Is Delta Airlines a Safe Airline to Fly On?
Delta Airlines has established a commendable reputation for prioritizing passenger safety, making it a reliable choice for air travel. The airline maintains stringent safety protocols, adhering to industry standards and regulations.
Delta consistently invests in cutting-edge technology, ensuring the maintenance and efficiency of its aircraft fleet. The company also places great emphasis on pilot training and regularly conducts rigorous simulations and safety drills.
With a strong safety track record and a commitment to passenger well-being, Delta Airlines is widely regarded as a safe and secure option for air travel.
Furthermore, Delta offers a comprehensive range of services and amenities, ensuring a pleasant flying experience while maintaining a strong focus on safety and security.
