Delta Airlines

History
Delta Airlines traces its roots back to 1924, when Huff Daland Dusters was founded as the world’s first aerial crop dusting organization. In 1928 the company became Delta Air Service. On June 17, 1929, Delta inaugurated airline service with the first passenger flights over a route stretching from Dallas, Texas to Jackson, Mississippi, via Shreveport and Monroe, Louisiana. In 1941, the company moved its headquarters from Monroe to Atlanta, Georgia. To read more about Delta's history, see Delta Through the Decades, brief highlights of Delta's past.

Vision
Since the founding of Delta Airlines, our company has stood for safe and reliable air transportation, distinctive customer service and hospitality from the heart. Our vision is for Delta to build on its traditions and always to meet our customers’ expectations while taking service to even higher levels of excellence. We are a leader in a business we know best—airline transportation. We intend to be an even greater company and will focus our time, attention, and investment on building that leadership. We are dedicated to being the best airline in the eyes of our customers. We will provide value and distinctive products to our customers, a superior return for investors and challenging and rewarding work for Delta people in an environment that respects and values their contributions.

Worldwide Service
Delta Air Lines transports more passengers worldwide than any other airline, through a vast worldwide route system. Delta is committed to getting travelers where they want to go, when they want to get there, with exceptional customer service. In 2002, 107 million passengers chose to fly Delta Airlines, more than any other airline in the world. Delta mainline, domestic and international service, Delta Shuttle®, Delta Express, Song™, Delta Connection®, Delta SkyTeam® and codeshare partners operate 6,408 flights each day to over 457 cities in 82 countries.

While we don't set out to win awards, customer focus and world class performance are our goals. We're dedicated and determined to be your airline of choice. In doing so, we are honored to have gained attention for outstanding customer satisfaction, as well as financial, technical and operational performance.

2003 - Delta wins top honor in SkyGuide's "Best in Travel Awards"
August 2003

Delta was named best domestic airline in the American Express first annual SkyGuide "Best in Travel Awards." More than 4,200 readers responded to an e-mail poll to rate their favorite companies that provide products and services for frequent travelers. SkyGuide Editor and Publisher, Janet Libert said, "SkyGuide readers are devoted travelers, and they are passionate about sharing their experiences. They truly are the voice of the frequent business traveler, and this survey provides great insight into their preferences and brand loyalties."

2003 - Delta earns 'Pinnacles of Excellence' award
Maritz Travel, July 2003

For the sixth consecutive year, Delta was presented the "Pinnacles of Excellence" award for 2002 by Maritz Travel at their headquarters in St. Louis. This award is presented to travel suppliers who consistently deliver customer service above and beyond the expectations of Maritz Travel and their clients. Delta received the highest honor: Gold Level status.

2003 - Delta receives American Red Cross humanitarian award
The American Red Cross, June 2003

The American Red Cross honored Delta with the organization’s Good Neighbor Award, recognizing the contributions of Delta employees worldwide. The award is presented annually to an individual or organization that has made a significant humanitarian contribution in support of the American Red Cross to local, national or international communities.  According to the American Red Cross, Delta was selected “for its commitment to the community through the Red Cross and for the selflessness and generosity displayed by Delta during our country’s time of need."

2003 - Delta honored by Spanish regional government
March 2003

We have been honored with the 2003 "Tourism Diploma," presented annually by the regional autonomous government of Catalonia in Spain. The award commends organizations that have been instrumental in the development of tourism in the Catalan region.

2003 - Computerworld names Delta kiosks ‘best in class’
Computerworld, March 2003

Computerworld has named Delta’s self-service check-in kiosks one of 10 "Best in Class" award recipients for 2003. Honorees were selected by an independent review panel based on the ability to demonstrate particularly striking business value from a leading-edge technology project.

2003 - Delta named ‘best airline’ in Colombia
Colombian Travel Agency Association, February 2003

Delta was selected as "The Best Airline in Colombia for 2002" by the Colombian Travel Agency Association, which surveyed 450 of its members to determine the honor. We rated "excellent" in all categories, which included customer service, group services, timely and effective responses to questions and information requests, and competitive fares.

2003 - Ireland’s Evening Herald names Delta ‘best airline'
The Evening Herald, January 2003

Delta has been voted "Best Airline" by readers of Ireland’s largest evening newspaper, The Evening Herald, in its 2003 Travel Awards. The newspaper cited "outstanding levels of service" as the reason for Delta winning the top award. "Delta has soared ahead of rivals with its in-flight standards," the newspaper added.

2003 - Mullin named to 2002 ‘most influential’ list
Business Travel News, January 2003

Leo Mullin, chairman and CEO, has been named to Business Travel News’ "Top 25 Most Influential Travel Executives of 2002." The list also includes Loyola de Palacio, European Union transport minister; Don Carty, American Airlines CEO; and Norman Mineta, U.S. Secretary of Transportation.