2000's-2010's

2003

Delta leads the industry with new model for passenger check-in: lobby redesign, expanded kiosk use, Delta Direct phone banks, lobby assist agents, and new signs and processes to improve traffic flow. First U.S. airline with prerecorded audio flight information at the gate. Introduces food for purchase on selected flights. Implements the largest domestic codeshare alliance with Continental and Northwest. Launches Song, a unique low-cost airline. Delta’s Technical Operations in Atlanta is first in the airline industry to achieve OSHA Star status for exemplary record of occupational employee safety and health.

2004

Gerald Grinstein becomes Delta's seventh CEO. Delta celebrates 75 years of passenger service; returns to traditional "widget" logo. First airline to offer mileage gift cards. Launches new automated load instruction system for baggage, cargo and mail. Installs touch-screen computers with real-time flight and gate information on baggage transfer tugs. Begins staggered zone system for aircraft boarding. Northwest and Continental join Delta as full members of SkyTeam alliance.

2005

"Operation Clockwork" is the largest single-day schedule redesign in aviation history. Changes at Atlanta and Dallas/Fort Worth restructure more than 51 percent of Delta’s network for better on-time departures and reduced airport congestion. On September 14, Delta files for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. In late November, Delta starts one of the largest one-month expansions in its history with service on seven new Latin American and Caribbean routes.

2006

Service to more destinations than any global airline with 124 new nonstop routes and 41 destinations. Delta is National Safety Council's 2006 Occupational Industry Leader—the first airline recognized. Business Traveler readers name Delta "Best Frequent Flyer Program," "Best Airline Web Site" and "Best Airport Lounge." Delta announces plan to transform New York-JFK into a major international hub. First major airline with in-seat, on-demand movies, games and live TV on a large portion of its domestic fleet, beginning with flights between JFK and the West Coast. First Delta service to southern Africa begins with flights to Johannesburg via Dakar, Senegal. The Spirit of Delta—a Boeing 767 purchased by employees in 1982—is retired and comes home to the Delta Flight Museum.

2007

Richard H. Anderson becomes Delta's eighth CEO. Delta defeats hostile takeover attempt by US Airways and completes restructuring plan one year ahead of schedule, emerging from bankruptcy on April 30 and relisting on the New York Stock Exchange on May 3. Adopts new three-dimensional red widget logo and aircraft paint scheme. Leads all network carriers in on-time performance for the year. First U.S. airline to offer customers the opportunity to help offset carbon emissions associated with air travel. First airline with comprehensive onboard recycling program for aluminum cans, newspapers, snack containers and water bottles. Delta announces transatlantic joint venture with Air France. Completion of Open Skies agreement between U.S. and European Union allows Delta to fly to London-Heathrow. Delta Connection introduces two-class regional jets.

2008

Northwest Airlines merges with Delta, creating global airline with major passenger and cargo operations in every region of the world. Delta grants approximately 15 percent of new company’s stock to employees. Flies Airbus A319, A320 and A330; Boeing 747 and Douglas DC-9 jets rejoin fleet. New long-range Boeing 777's offer Flat Bed seats. First U.S. airline to announce In-flight Wi-Fi for its domestic mainline fleet; Wi-Fi goes live on Delta Shuttle flights on December 16. Expands codeshare agreement with Alaska Airlines.

2009

Delta expands trans-Atlantic joint venture with Air France-KLM. Becomes only U.S. airline (since Pan Am) to serve six continents with introduction of nonstop flights between Los Angeles and Sydney, Australia. Completes integration of Northwest WorldPerks frequent flyer program into SkyMiles, creating world’s largest loyalty program with more than 74 million members.

Through the Decades: 2010's

Delta continues investing in customer experience, expands global joint venture partnerships.

737-300 domestic first class seatbacks 2007

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 North America's first Airbus A350, the fleet's new international flagship aircraft.

2018

Launches joint venture partnership with Korean Air with hub in Seoul. Inducts into its fleet North America's first Airbus A220. Unveils the first biometric terminal in the United States at Atlanta, allowing customers to use facial recognition technology from curb to gate.