From airmail pioneer to western travel icon, Western Airlines shaped aviation across the American West before its merger with Delta. Its spirit endures.

Yesterday, we unveiled our newest exhibit, The Only Way to Fly: 100 Years of Western Airlines, now on display at the Delta Flight Museum.

_{Ribbon cutting with Mike Raftis, former Western employee and current Museum sim operator, doing the honors}

This new addition explores the rich history of Western Airlines, from its early days connecting communities across the American West to its pivotal role in shaping modern air travel. Through artifacts, images, and storytelling, the exhibit highlights the people, innovation, and spirit that defined Western’s legacy.

Western’s story is an important part of Delta’s story. The 1987 merger brought together two pioneering airlines, blending cultures, expanding routes, and shaping the global airline we know today.

This exhibit is part of our broader commitment to bringing more stories like this to life, connecting our past to the present in ways that are engaging, accessible, and meaningful for our visitors. The curation of the exhibit was led by Austin Vallejos-Coleman, whose work brings Western’s legacy to life in a compelling and accessible way.

_{Director of Exhibits, Nina Thomas and Manager of Exhibits, Austin Vallejos-Coleman}

We’re grateful to the team who brought this exhibit to life and to those who joined us for yesterday’s unveiling, including a special video message from former Delta and Western CEO Jerry Grinstein.

_{Left to right: Austin Vallejos-Coleman, Gail Grimmett, Jerry Grinstein and Nina Thomas.}

Come experience 100 Years of Western Airlines during your next visit and discover a legacy that continues to inspire the future of flight.

On Exhibit Now through October