Today Delta celebrates 30 years of transatlantic service!
In 1978, service across the Atlantic was a “dream come true” for us, after trying more than a decade for authority. Our first Delta-operated transatlantic Lockheed 1011 flight began its journey in New Orleans, then stopped in Atlanta before continuing on nonstop to London-Gatwick.
The following day, May 1, 1978, was another big day for Delta as the return flight left London for Atlanta.
Drizzly weather did not dampen the spirits of those during the ribbon-cutting ceremony on the ramp at Gatwick’s Gate 18. Sir Kenneth Keith, Rolls-Royce’s chairman of the board is pictured here cutting the ribbon at our celebration. To his left is Delta CEO Dave Garrett; and on the right dressed as a “Southern belle” is Sherry Cardinale, a Delta marketing representative, beside John Mulkern, chairman of the British Airports Authority, and Carolyn Cote, Delta flight attendant.
Today, Delta operates service to more worldwide destinations than any airline with Delta and Delta Connection flights to 306 destinations in 58 countries.
Celebrate with us! Jet Delta to London.
Marie Force
Archives Manager
April 30th, 2008 at 1:49 pm
Congratulations on 30 years of crossing the pond! May there be another 30 years of it.
April 30th, 2008 at 2:48 pm
Congratulations Delta! I remember my first flight across the “pond” was on the Delta bus.
April 30th, 2008 at 4:58 pm
And this is only the beginning. A bright future is ahead at Delta Air Lines.