1980's-1990's

Join us on these dates for the Full Museum Experience with the Hangars & 747: Apr 7, Apr 8, Apr 13, Apr 15, Apr 17, Apr 27, Apr 28.

Through the Decades: 1980's

Delta expands services and routes

1980

Delta continues to rank #1 major U.S. airline for customer service by Department of Transportation each year. Continues development of computer reservations systems (CRS). First airline to make a major move from film to video in-flight entertainment, equipping its entire transatlantic L-1011 fleet in the early 1980s.

1981

Launches Frequent Flyer program (changed to SkyMiles in 1995)

1982

Sky MilesAfter Delta suffers financial losses, employees raise $30 million in payroll deductions to purchase the company’s first Boeing 767, named The Spirit of Delta.

1983

Introduces computer-generated boarding passes and automated advance seat selection, greatly improving the boarding process in gate areas. First major U.S. carrier to meet new federal standards reducing flyover noise in airport neighborhoods. Boeing 737 joins fleet.

1984

1984 Delta named one of top 10 companies in book The 100 Best Companies to Work for in America. Delta strengthens ties to regional airline partners through its new Delta Connection program. Begins service to Hawaii. Installs air-to-ground telephones—two wall-mounted phones in cabin of domestic L-1011 jets. Boeing 757 joins fleet.

1985

Nipton Nelson “Nip” Hill is first Delta employee to reach 50 years of active service.

1987

Western Airlines merges with Delta. Delta is now the fourth-largest U.S. carrier and fifth-largest world carrier with new hubs in Los Angeles and Salt Lake City and service to Mexico and Alaska. Transpacific service begins: Atlanta to Portland, Oregon to Tokyo, Japan. MD-88 joins fleet; delivered in MD-82 configuration. Ronald W. Allen becomes Chairman and CEO.

1988

Delta's beloved signature Biscoff cookies added to complimentary snacks served on board to customers..

1988

Delta Fantastic Flyer program for children launches with Dusty the “Delta Air Lion” mascot, kid-friendly meals and a quarterly activity magazine.

1990

Delta introduces onboard recycling: attendants collect aluminum cans on flights into Atlanta, Cincinnati, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Los Angeles and Salt Lake City. Delta, Northwest Airlines and TWA combine reservation systems to form WORLDSPAN Travel Information Services. Delta participates in the Civil Reserve Air Fleet (CRAF) during Desert Storm/Desert Shield from 1990-1991, flying military charters.

1991

Delta purchases substantially all of Pan Am's transatlantic routes and the Pan Am Shuttle, making this the largest acquisition of flights in airline history. Delta becomes a global carrier. Former Pan Am Airbus 310 planes join the fleet. Delta is first to offer MD-11 jet service in U.S.

1992

Celebrates 17 consecutive years as the #1 major U.S. airline for customer service. Fewest passenger complaints from 1975-1991, as ranked by the Department of Transportation. New in-flight technologies include seat-back telephones, live radio news broadcasts; first U.S. airline with moving maps in the cabin showing aircraft’s position and route.

1993

MD-11's now equipped with a personal video monitor at each seat in First Class. Delta Connection is the first program to use regional jets in North America.

1994

Delta returns to profitability in fourth quarter, fiscal year 1995. Introduces Rapid Redemption, the airline industry's first program allowing frequent flyers to instantly redeem mileage for free tickets or upgrades.

1995

Delta named the official airline of the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games. Receives J.D. Power Award for best major carrier for long and short haul flights. Introduces the airline industry’s first seasonal menus. First U.S. airline to ban smoking on all flights worldwide.

1996

Carries the Olympic Flame from Athens, Greece to Los Angeles for 1996 Olympic Torch Relay to Atlanta. Customers can make reservations and purchase tickets via Delta's Web site, SkyLinks. Delta is the first airline to offer in-seat power and live broadcast television programming. Launches Delta Express low-fare airline.

1997

First airline to board more than 100 million passengers in a year. Begin expansion of U.S.-Latin America routes. Introduces new aircraft livery—the first in almost 30 years. First airline to offer spa cuisine, partnering with chefs from health resorts in the U.S. and Europe. Leo F. Mullin is named President and CEO.

1998

Delta and SwissCargo forge the first international cargo alliance. Delta is the first airline to install automatic defibrillators on board all of its aircraft. First and business classes on international flights become a single section of luxury seats called BusinessElite.

1999

Air Transport World magazine names Delta its global Airline of the Year for 1998. Aviation Week and Space Technology magazine names Delta 1999's Best Managed Major Airline. Boeing 777 jets offer personal video screens at each seat in Economy Class.