Not in a million years did we think I would be wearing a purple Survivor shirt and taking the Survivor Lap around the track nine years later. Cancer is so ugly and aggressive. On August 8, 2011, shortly after waking up and dressing for work, I realized my agenda and plans for the day were going in a very different direction. By noon I was in the Emergency Room with internal bleeding followed by 11 days in intensive care. Ultimately, they found the same type of pancreatic cancer that took the life of Steve Jobs. Surgery was set a short time later.

Nine years ago it was not thought of to live without a pancreas…now I can! I am insulin dependent and must take pancreatic enzymes when I eat, but I can eat just about anything.

Mine was a rare cancer and little is known about it. This is why our work with the American Cancer Society is so important. The clinical trials offered and the research done is imperative to finding cures and learning more about uncommon varieties. I am very blessed and give thanks with every breath for the love and support of my family, friends, doctors and co-workers, including my CEO Richard Anderson.  He was kind enough to support our efforts last year and purchased a brownie from my daughter, Daniella!

I encourage you to support Delta people on Thursday as we hold relays in 40 airports across the globe to raise $1 million for the American Cancer Society. Thanks for supporting us in the fight against cancer.

Dory P.

Coordinator, Customer Care

It was on April 1, 1987 that the first “MaDDog” in Delta’s livery, took to the skies with revenue passengers.  Ronald Reagan was President; Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ on a Prayer” was at the top of the record charts, “Cheers” was a ratings leader on television and “Lethal Weapon” was a huge box office smash.  A quarter century later, the MD-88 is still hard at work, and with a recent face lift, doing so with modern style and enhanced comfort for our customers.  Reflecting on the changes witnessed by the 88’s over the years is fascinating.  For example, in-flight WiFi, now a staple on the MD-88 fleet, was not even on the planning charts in 1987.  In fact, the internet, still in its infancy, was mostly a specialized collection of USENET newsgroups for colleges and scientists.  Indeed, the MD88’s have seen a period of tremendous progress and exciting change during their careers at Delta.

The design of the McDonnell Douglas MD-80 series evolved from that of the Douglas DC-9, an aircraft first flown by Delta in November, 1965.  Owing to successive “stretches” in the DC-9 family, the MD-80 series features about twice the passenger capacity of the first DC-9-14’s, along with significantly more powerful and efficient JT8D-219 engines.

Delta placed its initial order for 30 MD-88s in January 1986, with options for 50 more.   Delta’s leadership, anxious to ingest additional capacity into the fleet as rapidly as possible concurrent with the Western Airlines merger, elected to take the first eight ships in the order as model MD-82’s, the forerunner to the MD-88.  These were Ships 901-908 (N901DL-N908DL), delivered in March-May, 1987.  Ultimately, these aircraft were modified by Delta to MD-88 configuration with the more advanced flight deck in 1988.

Delta had four MD-82s in service with its April 1, 1987 schedule.  The inaugural cities served were Atlanta, Austin, Birmingham, Cincinnati, Jackson, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Houston, Oklahoma City, Little Rock, Shreveport, and Washington, DC.

One early ship is especially noteworthy from a historical perspective.  Delta’s MD-82, Ship 905 (N905DL), was the symbolic centerpiece of merger ceremonies between Delta and Western Airlines in April 1987. The aircraft carried a decal showing a thumbs-up version of “Wally bird” logo, the long-time Western Airlines marketing symbol, fixed just beside the Delta widget logo on the forward part of Ship 905.  Ship 905 was on display at Delta/Western employee merger ceremonies in Los Angeles on April 1, and the next day for employees in Salt Lake City.

MD-88

MD-88’s began arriving at Delta with Ship 909 (N909DL) in December 1987. Delta placed its first MD-88 into service on January 5, 1988.  As compared to the early MD-82’s, the MD-88 had an updated “glass cockpit” with digital displays powered by cathode ray tubes (CRTs).   This advanced avionics package eventually allowed Delta crews to shoot Category 3 instrument approaches.   The MD-88 also featured aerodynamics improvements, including a redesigned (“screwdriver tip”) tail cone.

The MD-88 was delivered with a wider than usual 22-inch aisle in the coach cabin.  Another new feature were  handrails along the edge of the overhead bins, adding to the comfort and safety of passengers moving through the cabin.  The final MD-88 (ship 9020) was delivered to Delta in December 1993.

Today, with approximately 115 ships still in service, the MD-88 soldiers on, like an old friend.  Still very competent in the execution of the duties it was first obtained to perform a quarter century ago.

Meet Andre and Chris who met on a Delta flight from Jacksonville to Atlanta almost two years ago. Now they’re engaged and getting ready for a fairytale wedding filled with family, friends, and of course, Delta. Here’s the first hand account of their romance from the happy couple themselves.

We know you met on a Delta flight—how exactly did it happen?

We met on October 22nd, 2010 while aboard Delta flight 1874 – fromJacksonvilletoAtlanta.  I was flying back home toLos Angelesand Chris (my fiancé) was flying toPittsburghfor a conference. After we unsuccessfully tried everything in our power to have our seats changed (who really wants to sit in the rear of the plane in row 40!?), we found ourselves sitting next to each other. I had taken my seat first and Chris was one of the last to board. After taking his seat, he awkwardly removed his coat, slightly elbowing me. He apologized and that was our first conversation. As the television monitors were lowered, Chris was quick to make a humorous comment, and we laughed a bit. In his ‘outdoor’ voice, Chris continued to talk over the safety announcements. With headphones in hand, I couldn’t wait until we reached 10,000 ft. so that I could politely insert my headphones and disengage from conversation with the loud guy sitting next to me!

How did you start talking?

Before we had reached our cruising altitude, I found myself engaged in a pleasant conversation with this surprisingly charming neighbor. We talked about life, love, friends, religion, and everything in between. After Chris called me out for wearing a faux engagement ring (yes, I USED to wear a ‘creeper ring’ when I would fly) and after enjoying a drink on the flight (he did not even pay for my drink *gasp*) we both discovered that we had a 4-hour layover inAtlantabefore continuing on to our final destinations. After making this discovery, I waited for 40A to invite me to spend time with him. He didn’t at first; and I found myself slightly disappointed. Twenty minutes later as the plane started its descent, he finally asked if I’d like to grab a bite to eat during our long layover and of course I said ‘yes’.

Tell us about your first date—it was in the terminal right?

After arriving inAtlanta, we found ourselves wandering around and looking for somewhere to grab some food. It was at that time we realized that we did not even know each others name, as we had not formally introduced ourselves to one another. On the escalator up to the bar, we exchanged names and a handshake. The next three hours was filled with amazing conversation and a few glasses of wine. The time flew by and it was time to part ways. My flight left 10 minutes earlier than Chris’ so he walked me to my gate first. As we arrived in front of the gate, we looked at each other and he said “I’ve never done anything like this before” as he pulled me close and kissed me. I was completely surprised as neither of us had hinted during our hours of conversation that we had an attraction to one another. I felt butterflies consume my body, I was smitten; I smiled and ran onto my almost departing plane. From that day forward, not a day would go by without talking with one another.

How did the proposal go down?

Chris proposed to me a year to the day that we met, October 22nd, 2011. Chris contacted my previous employer inLos Angeles(without my knowing) and had arranged for me to have a faux business trip to meet with an insurance adjuster. Even though this was Chris & I’s one year anniversary, I still agreed to go. Chris came with me to the gulf front home and we waited for “Newt Ringley” (the name of the so-called insurance adjuster) to show up. After waiting a few hours and with the sun setting, Chris and I came to the conclusion that ‘Mr. Ringley’ was a no-show. Chris and I walked to the end of the dock at the house, which sits in theGulf of Mexicoand proceeded to watch the sun set. Chris then took the opportunity to present me with our one-year-anniversary gift. What I thought was a purse, ended up being a distraction to hide the ring.  Inside of the handbag, I found two blank Delta boarding passes that Chris had written on. One boarding pass had a sweet note written on it and the other was a ‘boarding pass for life’. I said ‘yes’, of course!

We hear you have big wedding plans?

Our wedding and reception will be held at a beautiful historic hotel (The Thomas Center) inGainesville,Florida. We have a relatively vintage themed wedding and we’re trying to incorporate as much of an airline/Delta theme as we can!

Special Thanks to Lindsey Tropf for capturing these wonderful images!

Pure: Photography by Lindsey Tropf
URL ~ www.purebylindsey.com

All of these changes created a new domestic hub atNew York’s LaGuardia Airport. Now as we begin construction at LaGuardia, I wanted to give you an update on the progress we’ve made on our commitment toNew York.

On March 25, we took over part of LaGuardia’s Terminal C and launched most of our expanded schedule. We obtain the remaining gates and launch the rest of the schedule in mid-July. We’re working to transform Terminal C into an innovative and enjoyable space, just like we have done with Terminal D and the Marine Air Terminal.

Today we broke ground on a new 600-foot bridge connecting Terminals C and D, making it easier for our customers to access all 29 of our gates between both terminals. This summer we will open a new Delta Sky Club in Terminal C and we’re once again partnering with the folks at OTG to bring you incredible food, beverages and technology in the terminal.

It’s our goal to make traveling to, through or fromNew Yorkthe most enjoyable experience possible for our passengers and we hope that our expansion and enhancements at LaGuardia will help us to accomplish that.

Gail Grimmett

Senior Vice President –New York

We maintain the full-flight simulators and fixed training devices that are necessary to keep the pilots qualified as required by Delta and the FAA. We perform preventive maintenance and troubleshoot and repair a wide variety of equipment, including electronics, computer systems, mechanical systems, hydraulics and visual display systems. The job also requires us to be knowledgeable in software to help us in the repair process. Additionally, we perform a “preflight” on every sim, every training day. We have to be able to fly (quasi-pilot style) each of Delta’s various aircraft types and verify proper operation of the different cockpits.

We’ve taken on a special project that was initiated nine months ago – relocating 10 full-flight simulators from Minneapolis/St. Paul to our training facility here inAtlantathis year. That’s right – I said this year! It’s a monumental project the likes of which the Delta Simulator Support team has never seen before.

Moving a simulator is nothing like relocating your desktop computer to a new cube in the building next door. It is an orchestrated event requiring assistance from a contracted simulator relocation company as well as a team from Delta working together. It begins with weeks of preparation for the more than 1,100 mile journey. We must disassemble the devices, which weigh approximately 25,000 pounds, and pack the components into custom-built crates. The “cab” of the simulator rides on a large flat-bed truck. Then, once the sims arrive inAtlanta, we have to reassemble them and test all of the systems.

This is no easy task. Simulators are a lot like people. They have personalities. They have quirks. Some have names. Some even have bad names. They all have reputations!

Most important of all, simulators hate to be turned off – especially the older ones. This is our biggest concern during the moves; we don’t know exactly what we’ll get at power-up after such an extensive disassembly, transport and rebuild process.

Fortunately, Phase One has been a resounding success. Three devices moved and requalified by the FAA. The first pilots “took to the skies” in our A320 simulator this week. I’m proud to be part of the move team. It is quite rewarding to see the simulators working again in their new home. Soon, we will be back inMinneapolispreparing the next three simulators for departure.

Jeff Parnell

Flight Simulator Technician

Dept.215

When you fly Delta and contribute to reduce your carbon footprint through The Nature Conservancy, your money is really making a difference to help fund forest conservation projects. Contributions from Delta passengers have already helped to restore over 400 acres of forest in the Tensas River Basin of Louisiana. This project is predicted to store over 110,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO2), which is like taking more than 20,000 cars off the road for an entire year, not to mention will also provide habitat for wildlife such as birds, black bears, mussels and fish.

In 2011 alone, Delta passengers contributed almost $100,000 toward the project – in addition, Delta matched just over $18,000 in passenger donations in April 2011 for Earth Month.

Now, Delta passengers who make contributions to The Nature Conservancy will help support a new project, which protects the diverse wildlife of theMayaForestinBelize. You’re helping to save little guys like a spider monkey in the forest canopy at Rio Bravo, Belize.

The Rio Bravo Climate Action Project, a 15,500 acre- area located in the Central American corridor, has produced millions of tons of carbon benefits by conserving forest that would have otherwise been cut down for agriculture. The Maya Forest is home to 200 species of trees, 400 species of birds (20-25% migratory species), 70 species of mammals and 39 species of at-risk animals including the Jaguar, Puma, Margay, Ocelot, the Howler and Spider Monkeys. The project has been validated and verified according to the Verified Carbon Standard (“VCS”), a global leader in guiding credible quantification of carbon benefits and issuing credits for carbon emissions avoided.

To donate when booking your next flight, select “Learn More” under “A Greener Wayto Fly” at the bottom of your confirmation page. Be sure to read more about Delta’s environmental efforts as well—they’re doing a lot to improve carbon offsets. You can also support The Nature Conservancy by making additional contributions, donating SkyMiles through Delta’s SkyWish program, or joining The Nature Conservancy’s online community to learn more about how you can help protect our world. And remember, we’re matching a donation from Delta of up to $25,000 of the total passenger contributions in the month of April, so now is a great time to “go green”!

Nicole V.

The Nature Conservancy

I grew up inWoodbridge,VA, a suburb just outside ofWashington,D.C.and come from a fabulous, loving and supportive family. My parents were very closely linked to my career choice. My mother was a flight attendant for USAir for 30 years, so I spent much of my childhood traveling with my siblings and learning all about the country and the world first hand. I wanted to be a flight attendant just like my mother. However, she told me I needed to be in the cockpit, because that’s where the real fun was. And that, as they say, was that. With the support of my family, I found that it’s amazing what you can do when you don’t know that you can’t.

My mom was my biggest influence and my biggest fan; she was just amazing.  She had this great job that took her all over the world, and at the same time was always there for all of us. She was Superwoman. She opened my eyes to aviation and, more importantly, the world. Throughout my research, she actively helped me find a flight school, an instructor and a good college to make my dream a reality.  As a result of her encouragement and support, I was even able to start college with a Private Pilot certificate, a year ahead of most of my classmates.

I choose Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, where I received my Bachelor’s Degree, as well the rest of my flight ratings (Instrument, Commercial, Multi, Certified Flight Instructor, Instrument Instructor and Multi-Engine Instructor) in four years. I faced the typical challenges of any female trying to make it in what is still deemed “a man’s world”, feeling I needed to work twice as hard to be seen as half as good. Though no one comes out and says they are judging you because you are female, actions speak louder than words. Knowing the expectations I would face, I overcame the challenges by giving 110%, 100% of the time. I knew I had to work harder than my peers. As an African-American female, I was a double minority and for four years I was the only girl in many of my courses. Going above and beyond became my ‘normal’; which prepared me not only for college, but also for a tough career ahead.

When people told me “no” or doubted my hopes and dreams, it only fueled my fire, reinforcing my commitment to becoming a pilot; not just to prove them wrong, but to show them they had no effect on me. During this time, my mother and my siblings had a huge impact in helping me stay strong. On those occasions when I did see that rare female pilot in a uniform, it helped kept everything in perspective. I realized those women had it so much harder than I did, and they had opened the door for me. The least I could do was to work hard and open a door for others.

In 2004, I was working at a regional airline and decided I needed to make things happen to make my dreams come true. I applied (for the third time) for both the Delta Boeing 737 Type Rating and a job at Spirit Airlines. I hoped that, with any luck, I would get one of the opportunities and start taking a step in the right direction for my career. To my surprise, not only did I get the job at Spirit Airlines, I also won the Delta Type Rating! It was such an amazing feeling to know that my hard work was finally paying off. I had already taken the job at Spirit when I was told I had won the scholarship from Delta. Even though I was working for a competitor, Delta was true to its word and worked with me and my training/work schedule at Spirit. They treated me like a member of the Delta family from the start. Everyone I came across was supportive and encouraging, with regards to furthering my career and becoming a Delta pilot. Once Delta began the hiring process, I applied and was fortunate enough to be accepted and officially join the Delta team as a pilot.

The experience I have had with Delta Air Lines has been positive from the start; and while I have been an employee for more than five years, it has yet to feel like work. When you are here, you really are part of huge family. And despite what the future holds, I know that I will have the support and help of this new family, Delta Air Lines.

Dawn Cook

Delta Pilot

Today we’re at it again, with one of our most exciting announcements yet—a new dining experience at Terminal C in LaGuardia. And what better place to indulge in some of the best food in the world from some of the most famous chefs in the world? New York City, where foodie dreams come true! But before we tell you all about it, check out some of the big names in dining you’ll find at Terminal C:

Click here to view the embedded video.

As you can see we’re building on some of the five star dining experiences you’ve had at Terminal D in LaGuardia, and taking world class dining to a new level with some of the biggest names in the culinary biz, with the likes of Andrew Zimmern, Andrew Carmellini, Anne Burrell, Aarón Sánchez and more.

Here’s the full rundown of everything you’ll see:

• Cotto: This enticing trattoria features traditional Italian cuisine with a modern translation. The menu developed by Chef Michael White highlights rustic Italian flavors and features fresh-made pastas and pizzas. In addition to full service dining, Cotto offers gourmet market items with counter service and a full menu, as well as a coffee bar and gelato counter. The design is open and airy, reminiscent of an Italian piazza.
• Empire Tavern: A collaboration from Balthazar’s Lee Hanson and Riad Nasr (also of Bisoux at Terminal D), Empire Tavern is fashioned after a classicNew York City tavern. This restaurant will offer a selection of classically prepared meat and fish entrees complemented by an expansive beverage program that includes 24 beers on tap and 24 wines by the glass. A hearty breakfast for morning travelers rounds out the menu.
• Kombu: Featuring contemporary Japanese cuisine by Chef Jamison Blankenship, Kombu has a modern menu that celebrates fresh ingredients and traditional technique. The menu includes not only a delicious assortment of sushi and maki rolls, but also a raw bar, rice bowls, expansive noodle dishes and Japanese sandwiches. The breakfast offered at Kombu is a combination of traditional Japanese ingredients and American favorites.
• Victory Grill: A new take on American classic dining, Victory Grill’s menu is where comfort food meets global fusion. Guided by Chef Andrew Carmellini and inspired by the flavors of the world, Victory Grill’s guests will find their favorite dishes reinvented. From the raw bar featuring the freshest oysters to lamb chops on the grill, the menu is a collection of American favorites. Forty-eight beers on tap in addition to a selection of wines, spirits and non-alcoholic beverages will encourage guests to linger at the expansive bar. A filling breakfast for morning travelers rounds out the menu.

• Vagabond Burger Bar: With gourmet burgers from the classic to the inventive, guests may build their own or choose from one of the featured burgers and milkshakes created by Chef Anne Burrell. The bar offers 24 beers on tap as well as a selection of wines, spirits and non-alcoholic beverages. A hearty breakfast menu offers made-to-order eggs and fluffy pancakes.

Cibo Express Gourmet Food Halls and Cafes

Patterned after a local farmer’s market, the Food Halls offer fresh produce, baked goods, premiere coffee and tea blends and classic food staples while the themed cafes provide still inspiring, to-go options.

• Cibo Express® Gourmet Markets. Cibo Express® Gourmet Markets feature a wide assortment of freshly prepared products and bottled beverages, including more than 1,000 different products. The markets feature not only 57 varieties of sandwiches, wraps, sides and salads rotated through the offerings, but also an expansive assortment of nuts, fruits, dried fruits, sweets, chocolates, cookies, health bars, granolas, veggies, cheese, crackers, side salads and pastas, spreads and dips, chips, pretzels and pastries.

• Artichoke: This Food Hall eatery serves piping hot pizza by the slice from Pizzaiolos, cousins and best friends, Francis Garcia and Sal Basille. In addition to the duo’s famous Artichoke and Margherita pizza, the menu includes several Italian specialties as well as breakfast.
• Biergarten: Beer gardens have historically been a gathering place for communities and celebration, and they are the inspiration for the Cibo Express® Food Hall seating area. A central bar located within the seating area features a selection of 24 beers on tap. Seasonal rotations, craft beers, local favorites and international brews will all be part of the beer selection as developed by famed brewer Garrett Oliver. The garden will also offer a selection of 16 wines by the glass and seasonal cocktails.
• Custom Burgers: Also available at Terminal D, Custom Burgers offers delicious gourmet burgers made from a custom beef blend sourced from Pat LaFrieda – one of the top meat purveyors inNew York. Burgers are grilled to order and served with all the fixings. Delicious house-made milkshakes are the perfect complement to a Custom Burger.
• Interwich: From Andrew Zimmern, who also has a concept in Delta’s MSP dining space, Interwich offers a menu of globally inspired sandwiches made with locally sourced ingredients. Traditional sides and inventive salads round out the menu. Breakfast sandwiches, ice-cream sandwiches, make-your-own and kiddie sandwiches offer something for everyone.
• Vuelo Taqueria: In the hands of celebrated Chef Aarón Sánchez, Mexican spices and flavors come alive at Veulo Taqueria™, a quick-serve eatery that offers simple but flavorful Mexican-inspired meals and snacks. Entrees focus on tortas and tacos – authentic street fare in any Mexican city. Using locally grown produce and meats elevate the quality and flavor of these simple meals. Mexican-inspired breakfast options include burritos, tostadas and even tacos. A beverage program including a selection of agua frescas, Mexican beers, sangrias and wine are also offered.
• wibar: Also located in Terminal D, wibar is the ultimate wine bar with 101 premium wines by the glass. Customers may also enjoy tasting pours (2 oz.), flights, half- and full-bottles. The wine list composed by Roger Dagorn features a wide range of wines fromCalifornia, France and all around the world. Wines are dispensed from an Enomatic wine serving system that keeps the wine fresh and allows customers to easily taste from the entire selection. A menu of small bites, cheese and meats complements the wine offerings. For those who prefer beer, spirits or coffee and espresso, a full selection will be available at wibar.

• Minnow: Also in Terminal D, Minnow will serve the best selections of fresh fish and shellfish in a quick-service and café venue. From raw options to chowders, salads and sandwiches, the menu developed by Chef Andrew Carmellini celebrates the flavors and versatility of fresh fish and shellfish.

• WorldBean: WorldBean features fresh roasted coffee and espresso drinks. Fair-trade beans are sourced seasonally from small farmers throughout the world. Roasted in small batches to ensure freshness, the coffee selection will rotate depending on which coffee crops are in season. Balthazar pastries will be served at World Bean.
• World Nectar: The World Nectar counter will offer fresh squeezed juices and smoothies with a menu that includes both seasonal selections and year-round favorites. The organic fruit and vegetable juices will be made to order to ensure freshness, and the smoothie menu will include a wide selection of healthy and delicious options.
• Xun Su: Offering a new twist on quick-casual Chinese, Xun Su’s menu highlights traditional Chinese favorites including Lo Mein, roasted and barbecued meats and dumplings. At Xun Su, all of the Lo Mein dishes are wok’d to order in front of guests, and the menu offers a higher level of quality and freshness than typical fast food Asian venues, more closely mirroring a true Chinatown dining experience.

Now that’s a mouthful! The dining concepts will open in phases over 18 months with temporary structures with full menus opening as “Taste Of” concepts in late-March 2012.

Bon Appétit!

Liz Giroux

Delta Social Media

More than 1,500 visitors waited in line for up to 20 minutes to try our new flat-bed seat during the Delta Cabin tour of Madrid which concluded on March 22ndat the Spanish headquarters for American Express.  The Delta Cabin tour began March 16, coinciding with our 20^th anniversary celebrations of service between the U.S. and Spain.  During its 10-day tour, the Delta Cabin visited prime locations throughout the illustrious Spanish capital.  Locations included: the global head office of Banco Santander, one of Europe’s largest banking corporations; the headquarters of El Corte Inglés, Spain’s leading department store;as well as El Casino de Madrid, Spain’s most renowned members club.

“With tough competition from oneworld in the market, the Delta Cabin tour was an innovative and exciting way to connect with business travelers and travel buyers in Madrid;” said Jina Sanone, managing director Market Development and Analysis EMEA . “The response has been phenomenal and the success of it all has been thanks to the great teamwork across numerous Delta departments.”

This summer, we are proud to be be offering over 1,000 full flat-bed seats each week between the U.S. and Spain, coinciding with our service from four Spanish cities to the United States.

————————————————————————————————————————–

With Delta investing $2 billion into product development, we want our customers to know where the money’s going. So we’ve developed the Delta Cabin: a life-sized mock up of a real BusinessElite cabin fully equipped with the new full flat bed seat. The idea is to create the flying experience on the ground and showcase the new product to prospective new customers, and it has been doing just that all over Europe this winter!

The challenge of putting together the cabin is akin to a Rubik’s cube, and is just as rewarding when you complete it.

I’m just one person in a team of three who have made the cabin a successful initiative – with the marketing, sales and PR team ensuring that as many people as possible get the chance to know and experience the flat-bed for themselves. One of the biggest challenges is getting the best location for the cabin; we’ve managed to display it in some amazing venues including Milan’s prestigious Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, right at the heart of the fashion and financial district as well as London’s Canary Wharf.

For me the response from passers-by has been the best part of the experience. There are so many different types of people that visit the stand right from the big corporate clients through to frequent flyers excited about the introduction of the lie-flat bed in their market. It might take a little bit of coaxing sometimes to get them to lie down and relax but once they do they often stay there for quite some time.

With 12,000 full flat seats now operating between the US and EMEA, the cabin gets the message out there about our investment in a practical and fun way. It’s currently touring Europe, with high profile stops including a stay at El Casino de Madrid, Spain’s most renowned private members club. Here media, trade and corporate clients will be invited to take a virtual test flight and experience the new fully flat bed. The Delta Cabin will make a guest appearance too at El Corte Ingles, Spain’s leading department store. And we are scheduled to drop into a number of European companies’ head quarters in London over the coming months. So do keep your eyes out as you may see us ‘reclining’ some guests near you soon!

Eleonore M.

Delta EMEA Group

Growing up as identical twins, we often enjoyed observing people’s reactions when seeing us for the first time. Last week we had a chance to relive that fun while working a flight fromHonoluluto Narita/Tokyo.

When we started our careers as flight attendants in the mid-1970s at different airlines, we never imagined that 35 years later we would be working for the same company, let alone on the same flight. Delta and flying is a family business for us; David’s wife Lorraine is a Delta flight attendant, as was Daniel’s late wife Karen. Following the Delta/Northwest merger, we didn’t know if or when we would get the chance to fly together; with one of us based in Boston and the other in Honolulu, we are separated geographically more so than any other two bases. But last week, that opportunity came!

Before we even boarded the aircraft, we were getting double takes from customers in the gatehouse. We both worked in the upper deck cabin of the 747, which provides a more intimate setting. During boarding, Daniel recognized a Japanese couple from a previous flight, who were noticeably amused and entertained by the fact that this week, there were two of us. We were treated to several photo opportunities with our customers, which we loved. Interacting with our customers, especially in the BusinessElite cabin, is the best part of our job. We hope to make every flight special for them and on this particular flight they certainly made it special for us.

Our layover was interesting, as Daniel has only recently started flying to Narita; and David hadn’t worked a trip there for some 20 years. We had an opportunity to socialize with the rest of the crew, as well as friends from other bases who we hadn’t seen in years. No trip to Narita would be complete without dinner at Amare’s aka “The Awning,” a local restaurant and favorite spot among crew members.

After years of sharing flying stories with one another about our separate trips, we now have a story we can share about our first trip working together. We hope we can share many more double takes with our customers in the future.

Thanks for flying with us!

David and Daniel Thompson 

In-Flight Service