December 15, 1982: A Special Day for Delta Air Lines


The dedication of Ship 102, The Spirit of Delta
In the spring of 1982 the airline industry was suffering from a weak economy, high fuel prices, and the effects of an air traffic controllers strike. For the first time in 35 years Delta posted a quarterly loss. As a way of expressing their appreciation for the company during this time, Delta employees spearheaded Project 767—with a lofty goal to purchase the first Boeing 767 aircraft to give to the company as a gift. Lead by 3 flight attendants, the grassroots project focused on a voluntary program to raise $30 million through the combined efforts of employees, retirees, and friends.

The nearly impossible goal became a reality on December 15, 1982 when Delta employees gathered at the Technical Operations Center in Atlanta, Georgia to present the company with its first Boeing 767, Ship 102. Christened The Spirit of Delta, the aircraft was unveiled before thousands of employees and the international media. This historic aircraft, a visual symbol of that which makes Delta unique, has served as an ambassador of the Delta culture for over 23 years by displaying special liveries commemorating the 1996 Atlanta Olympics and Delta's 75th Anniversary in 2004.

 

Bringing The Spirit HomeThe Spirit of Delta's Farewell Tour, February 21-March 6, 2006

After 23 years of service, The Spirit of Delta has retired. To mark this special occasion, Ship 102 embarked on a Farewell Tour to give employees, retirees, friends, and charities one last opportunity to be a part of Spirit's history. For more details and photos of the Farewell Tour, click on the link for each city in the table below.

Date Day City
21-Feb Tuesday MCO and FLL
22-Feb Wednesday CVG
23-Feb Thursday JFK
24-Feb Friday BOS
27-Feb Monday SLC
28-Feb Tuesday LAX and BFI
1-Mar Wednesday PAE
2-Mar Thursday DFW
3-Mar Friday ATL
6-Mar Monday ATL

 

Coming Home: The Spirit of Delta is brought to the Museum, May 7, 2006

The Spirit of Delta made its final journey on May 7, 2006, from the Technical Operations Center of Delta Air Lines to the Delta Air Transport Heritage Museum. Despite the threat of heavy winds and rain, the Delta Air Lines Recovery Team pulled Ship 102 out of the Atlanta airport property, thru the FedEx parking lot, across Toffie Terrace and Woolman Place roads, and onto the property of the Delta World Headquarters. Twenty-three employees and retirees carried 30-foot red ribbons attached to the tug, while a pilot and Museum employee waved from the cockpit. The 23 marched the aircraft across the Museum's parking lot and received thunderous applause as the nose pulled into Hangar II.


The Spirit of Delta is quickly pulled across the road.
  
Ribbon pullers ceremoniously escort Ship 102 to the Museum.

 

Transforming Ship 102 from Airplane to Museum Exhibit

Now that Spirit is inside Hangar II, Museum staff and volunteers are transforming the plane from a functional airplane into exhibition space.  The reconfigured aircraft now has an exhibit area, an HVAC system, and new electrical work.  Soon it will have a video viewing area, a presentation room, permanent stairs, and a wheelchair lift.  Click here for photos of the transformation progress. 

The Spirit of Delta is a permanent exhibit for Delta family and friends to enjoy for years to come.

 

December 15, 2006: A New Purpose

Chairman of the Museum Board Harold Bevis (right) with Boeing Company representative Phil Linsey at the Spirit rededication ceremony, December 15, 2006.
On December 15, 2006, the Delta Air Transport Heritage Museum celebrated the 24th anniversary of The Spirit of Delta’s dedication ceremony and first flight.  As part of this celebration, the Museum opened Spirit as new museum exhibition space, with exhibits highlighting the story of this special plane and Delta’s jet history since 1959.  Visitors were invited to check out the new exhibitions in the plane, enjoy food and games in the hangar, and purchase Spirit merchandise.  Over 1000 employees and families took part in the special festivities and took a trip down memory lane.  The plane is now open to the public a couple of times a week.  Check the tour schedule for details.


What's Next?

The transformation of The Spirit of Delta is an ongoing process.  Still to come are permanent stairs and a wheelchair lift, additional cases inside the plane’s exhibition area, a video viewing area and presentation room, and complimentary exhibits in Hangar 2.  Please come check out our progress!

 

Contributing to The Spirit of Delta Project

The Spirit of Delta transformation project is funded through generous corporate and private donations. If you would like to contribute to this piece of history, please complete a Museum Donation Form and return it to the Museum. The Delta Air Transport Heritage Museum, Inc. is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization and your donation is tax-deductible. We thank our donors for their loyalty and enthusiasm, and look forward to working with new friends as we build for the future.