[ad_1]
Delta Air Lines’ first-ever Boeing 767 has a unique story behind it.
This is partially due to increased competition from low-cost airlines, which could more easily enter the market thanks to the new law, and was exacerbated by the recession in the early 1980s.
But, that doesn’t mean they weren’t feeling a hole in their wallets. In 1982, Delta posted a $17 million annual loss — its first since 1957 — while United posted an operating loss of about $67 million.
Source: The New York Times, Aviation Pros
While most airlines opted to cut their workforce to cope, Delta, in a surprising move, actually decided to give everyone an 8.5% pay raise that year. Though, the carrier was criticized for its decision.
Source: Delta Air Lines
However, the criticism empowered three flight attendants — Diane Carvelli, Virginia (Ginny) Oxford, and Jean Owens — to give back to the company.
Source: Delta Air Lines
In September 1982, the women decided to buy Delta an aircraft as a symbol of gratitude.
Source: Delta Air Lines
To make this happen, over 18,000 employees donated at least 2.5% of their paychecks for one year, and donations were collected from retirees and local businesses.
Source: The New York Times
In just three months, the flight attendants raised $30 million to pay for Delta’s first-ever Boeing 767-200, which was already on order when Project 767 started.
Source: The New York Times
“We were amazed at how many people volunteered,” Carvelli said in a 2022 press release. “Delta people are special folks. Every department, every place—when they work together, they can do pretty wonderful things.”
Source: Delta Air Lines
Dubbed the “Spirit of Delta,” over 7,000 people, including employees, friends, family, and the media, unveiled the widebody plane in a hangar during a ceremony in Atlanta, and it soon became a workhorse for the carrier.
Source: Delta Flight Museum
“The Spirit of Delta galvanized our people during a difficult period in our company’s history,” Delta told Insider in a statement.
Speaking on how the 767 helped Delta during its troubled times, a spokesperson told Insider that the “pivotal aircraft” supported the recovery of the business…
…and contributed to Delta’s “continued growth over the past four decades.”
Specifically, the widebody plane helped develop the carrier’s “intermediate and transcontinental routes…”
…and offered an improved customer experience and 30% greater efficiency compared to older aircraft, according to the carrier.
Moreover, the plane’s cockpit was similar to the Boeing 757, which entered Delta’s fleet in 1984, so pilots did not have to undergo additional training to operate both types.
Source: Delta Flight Museum
During its 23 years of service, the Spirit of Delta flew about 70,700 hours and over 34,000 cycles, meaning one takeoff and one landing.
Source: Delta Flight Museum
Over the decades, the plane also sported several paint jobs to celebrate historic events, like the Atlanta Olympics in 1996…
Source: Delta Flight Museum
…and Delta’s 75th anniversary in 2004.
Source: Delta Flight Museum
The Spirit of Delta retired in 2006 in its original 1982 livery after completing a two-week farewell tour, stopping in 12 cities along the way.
Source: Delta Flight Museum
A permanent exhibition was created for the 767 at the Delta Flight Museum in Atlanta that same year.
Source: Delta Flight Museum
Onboard, visitors will find most of the aircraft has been gutted and set up with displays of old flight attendant uniforms, pictures, posters, glassware, and other memorabilia.
Source: Delta Flight Museum
The items and information together tell the story of Delta’s first 767 plane and showcase the history of the airline’s jet age starting in 1959.
Source: Delta Flight Museum
“Newer and larger versions of the Boeing 767 equipped with modern cabins and technology remain a workhorse for Delta’s fleet on transcontinental and transoceanic routes,” Delta told Insider.
[ad_2]