Soaring to New Heights: Delta's Celebration of Team USA and the LA28 Olympic Games

Delta Air Lines, the Official Airline of Team USA and an inaugural Founding Partner of the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games, is honored to be a part of the historic journey as the Olympic Games return to the United States in 2028. As the Olympic Flag is passed from Paris to Los Angeles, Delta's custom LA28 livery aircraft carries a delegation of Team USA, LA28, and notable dignitaries, marking a new era of global connection and celebration.

Connecting the World, One Flight at a Time

Celebrating the Olympic Spirit

Delta's partnership with the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games is rooted in a shared vision of connecting the world. As the Official Airline of Team USA, Delta is proud to be a part of the flag's transfer from Paris to Los Angeles, signifying the return of the Games to the United States for the first time since the 2002 Salt Lake Olympic and Paralympic Games. This exciting journey provides a glimpse into the future of the LA28 Games, where the world will come together to celebrate the pinnacle of athletic achievement.

Designing the LA28 Livery

Delta's custom-designed LA28 livery, created by its in-house creative agency Window Seat, is a stunning representation of the partnership between the airline and the LA28 Games. The aircraft features a blend of Delta blue, Delta red, and Olympic gold, creating a sunset-like color gradient that fades into a starry impression. The Los Angeles-inspired design also displays three palm trees, symbolizing the city's rich Olympic history as the host of the Summer Games in 1932, 1984, and now 2028. This honor is shared by only two other cities in the world – Paris and London.

Pioneering the Olympic and Paralympic Movement

The LA28 livery also proudly displays the first-ever integrated emblem in the Olympic and Paralympic Movement history, which uses Delta's iconic widget to replace the "A" in the logo. This innovative design not only celebrates the partnership but also showcases Delta's commitment to being at the forefront of the global sporting event.

Reducing the Environmental Impact

As part of Delta's ongoing efforts to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, the airline is covering the cost of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to reduce the emissions impact of the LA28 Flag Flight. While SAF won't be physically on the flights from Paris to Los Angeles, Delta is displacing a gallon of conventional jet fuel and replacing it with a gallon of SAF for its California-based flying. This "book and claim" model is the most optimal way to utilize existing SAF and infrastructure, as the aviation industry continues to advocate for the incentives needed to scale the SAF market.

Enhancing the In-Flight Experience

Beyond its commitment to sustainability, Delta is also taking measures to make the in-flight travel experience more eco-friendly. This includes switching to compostable bamboo cutlery, testing paper cups, and replacing ground support equipment with electric models. These initiatives demonstrate Delta's holistic approach to sustainability, ensuring that the airline's partnership with the LA28 Games is not only celebratory but also environmentally responsible.

Extending the Celebration

After the special LA28 Flag Flight, the custom aircraft will return to regular service, allowing Delta customers to experience the excitement of the upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games. Additionally, Delta's Team USA shop offers limited-edition LA28 pins, allowing fans to commemorate this historic moment and show their support for the athletes.

A Lasting Legacy

The LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games mark the peak of Delta's multi-year partnership with Team USA. Over the course of this collaboration, the airline has designed custom liveries for the Beijing 2022 and Milano Cortina 2026 Games, further cementing its role as a dedicated supporter of the global sporting event. As the world eagerly awaits the return of the Games to the United States, Delta's unwavering commitment to connecting the world and celebrating the Olympic spirit will continue to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.