Delta Air Lines is gearing up for the excitement surrounding the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games by showcasing its partnership with Team USA. The airline recently made headlines by carrying the Olympic Flag from Paris to Los Angeles, marking the Games' return to the United States for the first time since the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics.
This year’s Olympic Flag Flight, carried out on Delta’s specially painted A350 aircraft adorned with the LA28 livery, symbolically connects the vibrant Olympic spirit from Paris to Los Angeles. The flight, featuring Team USA members and notable dignitaries, is not just about transportation; it embodies the commitment of Delta and LA28 to embrace the legacy of the Olympic Games.
The LA28 livery itself is visually stunning, showcasing Delta blue, red, and Olympic gold hues, creating a spectacle reminiscent of California sunsets. The aircraft is also decorated with three palm trees, representing the years Los Angeles hosted the Summer Olympics: 1932, 1984, and the upcoming 2028 Games.
Alicia Tillman, Delta's Chief Marketing Officer, expressed the significance of this moment, stating, "Delta and LA28’s partnership is built around our shared values of connecting the world – and nothing brings the world together like the Olympic and Paralympic Games." Miami too shared its gratitude for the encouraging collaboration with Delta, which has seen years of support leading up to the Games.
Reynold Hoover, CEO of LA28, highlighted the historic nature of the occasion, saying, "Today is a historic day since we started our bid 10 years ago – and we couldn’t be more thankful to our partners at Delta for helping organize this flight." This collaboration between the airline and the Olympic organizers illustrates how powerful partnerships can help realize incredible events.
Delta plans to cover the costs related to sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) for this momentous flight, indicating their commitment to lowering emissions. While the SAF won’t physically be on each flight due to limited availability, Delta aims to offset the carbon emissions linked to this important Olympic transport.
SAF is heralded as the key to the aviation industry's future decarbonization efforts, yet availability remains a challenge. Delta is dedicated to reducing its environmental footprint and is implementing various eco-friendly initiatives, such as employing electric ground support equipment and transitioning to compostable materials for onboard services.
After the Flag Flight, Delta’s LA28 aircraft returns back to regular service, offering passengers the opportunity to experience flying on this exclusive plane. Delta has expressed excitement about the upcoming Games, which will see them as the official airline of Team USA, and is thrilled to continue nurturing this partnership as they move toward 2028.
The LA28 Games represent the climax of Delta’s multi-year collaboration with Team USA, celebrating their shared values. Delta has previously created custom liveries for past Olympic Games and looks forward to introducing even more innovative designs to greet athletes and fans alike.
Travelers can also explore the limited-edition LA28 merchandise available at Delta’s Team USA shop. This unique blend of travel, sports, and sustainability reflects how Delta is committed to making the upcoming Games not only memorable but also environmentally responsible.
At its heart, the partnership between Delta and LA28 symbolizes more than just transportation; it signifies hopes, dreams, and the incredible spirit of the Olympic community. Looking forward, Delta remains enthusiastic about its role and the Olympic movement as it ushers forward Team USA to the Los Angeles Games.
