What goes better than mixing a little airline action with Star Trek? This is an old Western Airlines ad from 1985 with Star Trek’s Captain Kirk and Spock. At the time, I doubt William Shatner would have any idea he would have a great future career as a travel company’s spokes person. Did you know he has made $600million as spokesperson for Priceline.com? Not too shabby, although he can afford his own private jet with that.
This week, Delta Airline Lines celebrated their 70th year of being Atlanta’s hometown airline. This video helps to show how Delta changed from a small presence in Atlanta, when it moved from Monroe, LA in 1941 to now being the world’s largest airline. Over the years, Delta has grown to about 25,000 employees based just in Atlanta and adds over $25billion into the local economy.
“Delta Air Lines and Atlanta have a unique partnership that has been inextricably linked to the success and prosperity of our city and our airport for nearly three quarters of a century,’ said Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed. ’œThe strong relationships among companies such as Delta, state and local elected officials and civic organizations are what make Atlanta not only a global, dynamic city, but a great place to live and do business. Congratulations to Delta Air Lines, Chief Executive Officer Richard Anderson and all employees on the company’s 70th anniversary as Atlanta’s hometown airline.”
To help celebrate Delta created a special Coca-Cola livery on the “Spirit of Atlanta” which is a Boeing 777-200LR.
MORE WITH DELTA IN ATLANTA:
* Twitpic of the Boeing 777-200LR
* The “Spirit of Delta” 767 at the Delta Heritage Museum
* Inside look at the Delta TechOps in Atlanta
* Video time lapse of Delta planes taking off in Atlanta
* Flying a Delta Boeing 737-200 Simulator in Atlanta
The dawn of the commercial jet-age had to be an exciting time to be an airline nerd. From slow props to larger jet aircraft like the Boeing 707 and DC-8 had to be an incredible transition. Even though they sell the aircraft on no vibrations and not much noise, I am sure it is a more rough ride than what we get to enjoy today.
I find it interesting this video sells the mood lighting of the aircraft, being able to change the cabin, “pink of dawn to all variations to the dark blue of night.” That is some of the selling point of the new Boeing Sky Interior and Boeing 787 Dreamliner interior.
Although there were Continental Boeing 777’s that were converted to the new United Airlines livery first, this aircraft (N222UA) was the first United Boeing 777 to be painted in the new Continental livery. A special thanks to Gordon Werner for pointing this one out.
American Airlines commercial from 1972 showing off their new luxury liner fleet DC-10, Boeing 707 and Boeing 747. Classic. Check out that economy lounge they had back then.