On 2 March 2025, Delta Air Lines celebrated its 100th anniversary since it began operations. On the same date in 1925, the first aerial crop-dusting enterprise and the largest privately owned airline in the United States began carrying mail to various locations. Established as Huff Daland Dusters, the company later transitioned into commercial aviation, evolving into a global airline that now serves more than 290 destinations across six continents.
To honour its centenary, Delta unveiled a special 100-year livery during the Delta Centennial Gala on 15 March. The event took place at the newly renovated Delta Flight Museum in Atlanta, its primary hub. The new livery design, created by Delta employee Aaliyah McNeal, was revealed on an Airbus A321neo, featuring a “100” emblem—the airline’s first super graphic—and “distinctive swooping details” in blue and silver hues. The airline also announced that it would apply the colour palette to one of its Airbus A350 wide-body aircraft later this spring.
During the event, Delta hosted more than 1,000 guests at the museum to celebrate this milestone. Guests enjoyed the grand reveal of Delta’s newest livery as well as live performances by Jon Batiste and Vitamin String Quartet, celebrating the airline’s legacy and future. Among the notable attendees were sponsors, donors, investors, and former CEOs Leo Mullin, Ron Allen, and Richard Anderson.
The Atlanta-based carried took off as Huff Dalan Dusters in March 1925. “Since then, we’ve grown into an industry-leading premium brand and global airline that continues to thrive. It’s all possible because of the incredible 100,000 people who make Delta the very best,” wrote CEO Ed Bastian on LinkedIn.
As Delta described it, the commemorative livery “honors a century of innovation, resilience, and the people who built Delta into the airline it is today.” Currently, Delta is one of the leading national airlines, whose success can be attributed not only to its employees’ hard work but also their spirit and quality service.
To further enhance customer experience, Delta continuously introduces innovations to in-flight services. Recently, the airline announced a partnership with Champagne Taittinger, which will see its Brut la Française Champagne served onboard, elevating passengers’ premium offerings. Furthermore, starting in 2026, Delta will upgrade its entertainment system by introducing 4K HDR QLED screens.
Today, Delta is considered to be the leading premium airline in the United States. It excels in multiple customer-focused initiatives. For instance, in 2023 Delta became the first major airline to provide free Wi-Fi on their flights.
