Delta Air Lines marks 100 years with renovated flight museum

Delta Air Lines, the first United States airline to reach a centennial milestone, has marked the occasion with a refurbishment of its Delta Flight Museum, honouring the dedication of its workforce and the legacy of a century in aviation.

Set to reopen on April 7, the museum, located at Delta’s Atlanta headquarters, has been transformed into an expansive exhibit and event space.  According to a release by Kingdom Concepts Consult to the Ghana News Agency, in Accra, the newly renovated facility showcases the airline’s culture, values, and history, offering visitors an immersive experience through interactive displays.

This includes the ‘Delta Connects You’ exhibit, which highlights Delta’s role in bridging diverse cultures and ideas. Established in 1995, the Delta Flight Museum has long been a hub for aviation enthusiasts. The recent renovations catered to visitors interested in aviation history and those seeking a distinctive venue for events such as conferences, business meetings, and weddings, the release said.

“The Delta Flight Museum is widely known to our employees and the community as Delta’s true home,” said Kelley Moore, Executive Director of the Delta Flight Museum. “While the museum always offered a close-up look at our aircraft and artifacts, the newly reimagined experience and interactive exhibits allow us to truly showcase the humanity of Delta and the people who made it all possible.”

The year-long renovation process included extensive upgrades to the museum’s two hangars, featuring newly designed exhibits and restored artifacts. As a non-profit organisation, the refurbishment was funded by The Delta Air Lines Foundation alongside contributions from Delta employees, retirees, and supporters of the museum.

“Preserving Delta’s history, which spans over 40 airlines and five major mergers, has been a complex task,” the release said. Marie Force, Delta’s Director of Archives, highlighted the importance of safeguarding memorabilia, which includes model aircraft, employee uniforms, and vintage engine parts.

“An archivist is a hub of connections, and at Delta, I am part of connecting people to our ‘Delta Difference’ culture,” said Force. “Preserving and sharing Delta’s history is critical – not just to honour our past but to inspire the future of aviation professionals.” A key focus of the museum is to inspire the next generation of aviation professionals.

Several new exhibits showcase career opportunities in aviation, including roles in aircraft maintenance, flight operations, and cabin crew services. The museum also hosts school field trips and educational events to engage young learners. The renovation was undertaken in collaboration with Imagine, an Atlanta-based exhibition design company, which played a crucial role in shaping the museum’s new look.

“Among the key highlights is the Legacy Hangar, formerly known as Hangar 1, which delves into Delta’s early history, featuring an interactive area for children, a new lounge space for events, and enhanced visitor experiences,” the release said.

Source: GNA