Timeline
Through the Decades
Explore Delta's history and achievements and discover how the airline went from dusting crops to serving over 320 destinations on six continents.
Choose a decade:
2010s – Delta continues investing in customer experience, expands global joint venture partnerships
2010 Delta announces largest product upgrade in a decade with plans to invest more than $2 billion through 2013 to improve the customer experience, including installing new full-flat beds and personal, in-seat video on all widebody aircraft; adding more First Class cabins to Delta Connection regional jets; renovating and adding new Delta Sky Clubs; and adding more First Class seats on domestic mainline flights. Completes integration of Northwest Airlines' airport and reservations systems. Receives approval to begin flights at Tokyo's Haneda Airport. Celebrates 10th anniversary of SkyTeam.
2011 Becomes first airline with mobile baggage tracking, via Fly Delta app. New premium economy section called Economy Comfort, now Comfort+, introduced for long-haul flights. Delta Connection offers world’s first in-flight Internet service on regional aircraft.
2012 Delta purchases oil refinery in Trainer, Pa., to produce jet fuel for its fleet, names new subsidiary Monroe Energy. First airline to own a refinery. New Delta hub at New York-LaGuardia offers 260 daily flights to 60 cities. In-flight Wi-Fi now on all domestic mainline aircraft.
2013 Acquires 49% stake in U.K. airline Virgin Atlantic, a partnership that increases Delta's access to the important London and trans-Atlantic markets. Builds presence on West Coast with eight new markets from Los Angeles and growing gateway from Seattle-Tacoma to Asia. Delta customers are first to use their portable electronic devices (PED) below 10,000 feet. Over 90 percent of customers now check in for flights on Delta digital channels including delta.com, mobile devices and airport kiosks.
2014 Delta celebrates 85 years of passenger service. Named one of Fortune's Most Admired Companies. Introduces Delta Studio, a world-class in-flight entertainment service. First airline to receive call center certification by J.D. Power.
2015 Introduces five differentiated on-board products, enhancing customer options: Delta One, First Class, Delta Comfort+, Main Cabin and Basic Economy. Purchases a 3.5% stake in China Eastern, expanding the airline’s presence and customer choice in Asia’s largest market.
2016 Ed Bastian is named Delta's 9th CEO. Delta pays employees $1.5 billion in profit sharing, the most in U.S. history. The airline commits to donating 1% of its yearly net income to charity. Finishes year with a record 241 total days without a mainline flight cancellation.
2017 Delta reports a company record adjusted pre-tax income of $6.1 billion. Delta ranks No. 63 and is the only airline on Fortune's Best Companies To Work For list, based on employee ratings of workplace culture. Invests 49% in Aeromexico, embarking on a historic transborder partnership. Takes delivery of first A350, the fleet's new international flagship aircraft.
2018 Launches joint venture partnership with Korean Air with hub in Seoul. Launches daily nonstop service between Atlanta and Shanghai. Inducts into its fleet North America's first Airbus A220.