Delta's Centennial Takes Flight: Inside the Ultra-Luxe 100-Year Anniversary Jet

Delta's Centennial Takes Flight: Inside the Ultra-Luxe 100-Year Anniversary Jet - A Look Inside Delta's Exclusive Centennial Aircraft

Delta's centennial celebration jet offers passengers a glimpse into the history and innovation that has propelled the airline over the past 100 years. The specially designed Airbus A350, registration N501DN, made its debut flight on Delta’s first route from Boston to Atlanta on May 21, 2022.

The livery features a bold blue retro design on the tail with Delta’s widget logo introduced in 1959. “Delta 100” is emblazoned on the side in honor of the carrier’s 100th anniversary.

Inside, no detail was overlooked in bringing Delta’s rich heritage to life. Historical photos tracing key milestones adorn the walls of each cabin. Special overhead bin plates highlight Delta’s trailblazing achievements in commercial aviation.

In Delta One, the airline’s coveted business class suites, sleek metallic finishings and diagonal dividers between the seats create a modern, jet-set ambiance. But a closer look reveals nods to the glamour of early commercial air travel, with accents like the curved doors of the privacy partitions.

In Premium Select, Delta’s premium economy cabin, cream leather-trimmed seats are inspired by the camelback style used on early flights. The cabin lights resemble the wheel spokes of a DC-3, Delta’s first commercial airliner.

The spacious A350 galley draws inspiration from the futuristic airport lounges of the 1960s, with backlit delicate glassware displays. A bar-cart style set up for pre-departure beverages conjures up the glamourous era of aviation.

Throughout the aircraft, the Centennial jet celebrates how Delta has pushed boundaries over the past century. The airline declares “No one better connects the world” above the emotionally lit entryway leading to the aircraft. Walls detailing Delta's values cement its commitment to keep innovating into its next 100 years.

Delta's Centennial Takes Flight: Inside the Ultra-Luxe 100-Year Anniversary Jet - Special Amenities for an Ultra-Premium Flight Experience

Step aboard Delta’s Centennial jet, and it’s clear this is no ordinary aircraft. From the moment you enter the thoughtfully appointed cabin, you’re enveloped in luxury and comfort fitting of the airline’s 100-year milestone. But it’s the special touches and amenities exclusive to this commemorative bird that really make for an ultra-premium flight experience.

In Delta One, the airline pulls out all the stops to make the 6-hour ride from Boston to Atlanta as enjoyable as possible. Settle into your suite, designed for both privacy and connectivity, and find a Tumi amenity kit stocked with high-end skincare essentials. After take-off, choose from a custom-curated wine list or sample one of the vintage-inspired cocktails like the French 75, a nod to early aviation.

As the flight progresses, stay fueled with a multi-course culinary journey featuring seasonal dishes and local ingredients. Cap it off with delicious desserts from Mah-ze-dahr Bakery, straight from Delta’s hometown of Atlanta. With utmost attention to detail, the fine bone china and glassware elevate the entire dining occasion.

With unparalleled comfort in the lie-flat suites, the hours drift by as you watch the in-flight entertainment on 18-inch high resolution screens. Between movies and mileage, relax with a pair of soft Delta-branded slippers and cozy up with the Westin Heavenly In-Flight blanket, both yours to keep.

Beyond the seats, you’ll discover delightful touches that make this aircraft unique. Don’t miss the placards denoting the historical significance of each row. And as you move about the cabin, look overhead to see vintage luggage tags reminding you of the elegant journeys of air travel’s early days.

Even in the lavatories, Delta added special accents. The marble-print wallcovering and wool felt mirror resemble the stylish spaces of a refined hotel. And displayed on the walls are reproductions of vintage airline ads from the 1930s, transporting you back to a golden era of aviation as you wash your hands.

For those flying in Premium Select, Delta focused on comfort with seats mimicking the stylish camelback design found on early commercial flights. Settle in with a soft blanket and pumped pillow to make the most of the recline and footrests. Sip pre-departure beverages from custom glassware and enjoy delicious bites like warm focaccia with olive oil. With perks like priority boarding, extra legroom, and premium wines and spirits,Premium Select balances convenience and luxury.

Delta's Centennial Takes Flight: Inside the Ultra-Luxe 100-Year Anniversary Jet - Unique Retro Touches Nod to Delta's Storied History

Climb aboard Delta’s Centennial jet and you’ll quickly realize this is no ordinary aircraft. While the Airbus A350 offers passengers the utmost in modern aviation luxury, it’s the unique retro touches that provide a window into Delta’s storied past.

Throughout the plane, historical photos tracing Delta’s early days adorn the walls. See portraits of the airline’s founders, the wool-suited gentlemen who pioneered airmail service in 1925 carrying letters between Louisiana and Texas. Glimpse the first stewardesses, clad in nursing uniforms, who catered to only eight passengers on early passenger flights.

In the galley, backlit glassware displays conjure up the glamour of aviation’s formative years. Meanwhile, the bar cart-style drink setup harkens back to an era when a stewardess would mingle about the cabin taking beverage orders.

Overhead bin plates highlight Delta’s trailblazing achievements, like their purchase of the innovative Douglas DC-8, among the first jet airliners in the US. Others commemorate the introduction of the Delta Crown Room in 1959, their VIP airport lounge for First Class fliers.

In Delta One, sconces emitting a warm glow flank the privacy partitions between the lie-flat suites. Their art-deco style curves nod to early air travel’s emphasis on elegance and sophistication. The metallic finishings and diagonal seat arrangement exude modernity, yet a closer look reveals armrests and trim with an old-fashioned luster.

Move through the galley into the Premium Select cabin and the retro details continue. Cream leather seating in a vintage camelback style will transport you to the golden age of aviation. Peer upward to see the cabin lights fashioned after the DC-3 aircraft wheel spokes, a nod to Delta’s first commercial airliner.

Even the lavatory walls entrench you in the nostalgia of air travel’s formative decades. Marble-print wallcoverings and wool felt mirrors resemble a refined hotel of the early 1900s. Reproduced ads from the 1930s showcase how air travel was marketed to the masses eager to take to the skies.

Delta's Centennial Takes Flight: Inside the Ultra-Luxe 100-Year Anniversary Jet - What It's Like to Fly in Delta One Suites on the Centennial Jet

Step inside the luxurious Delta One suites aboard the carrier's Centennial jet, and you'll be transported to a new era of air travel defined by privacy, comfort and connectivity. While Delta has offered their sought-after Delta One suites on select long-haul routes since 2017, the configuation on their special 100th anniversary Airbus A350 takes the premium experience to new heights.

The most noticeable aspect of Delta One aboard the Centennial jet is the increased privacy. On most aircraft, the Delta One seats are arranged in a herringbone configuration at a diagonal angle. However, the Centennial jet pioneers a unique alternating forward and rear facing layout. With only two seats per row, each suite has a closing door and privacy partition walls on both sides. This eliminates the claustrophobia some report in the herringbone seats, while retaining the popular diagonal alignment prized for avoiding that dreaded middle seat.

Settling into the plush cushions, you'll be cocooned in your own intimate sanctuary in the sky. The elegant metallic finishings coupled with cream and blue soft furnishings create an inviting, upscale atmosphere. While completely private, the Panasonic Avionics' inflight entertainment screens handily tuck away when not in use, maintaining that undisturbed aesthetic.

You'll certainly find no shortage of personal space. At 22.2 inches wide with 79 inches of pitch, the seats provide enviable room to stretch out. Put the footrest up, relax the seat into the lie-flat bed position, and you can sleep soundly on the plush Westin Heavenly bedding provided. For work or dining, the seats rise to meet you with sturdy swing arms that keep your tabletop steady.

Despite the privacy, Delta One on the Centennial jet doesn't sacrifice connectivity and collaboration. The suites have guest seats that fold down so you can dine with companions or hold an impromptu meeting. Passengers traveling together can lower the privacy partitions between paired center seats with just a click.

With aisle access for every seat, you can move freely about the cabin without disturbing fellow fliers. Reachable stowage means you can access belongings without contorting awkwardly, a common hassle in other business class seats. Though enclosed, the suites feel open and inviting with their high ceilings and transparent sliding doors rather than confining full walls.

Delta's Centennial Takes Flight: Inside the Ultra-Luxe 100-Year Anniversary Jet - Behind the Scenes: How Delta Designed Its Centennial Livery

For Delta's dedicated design team, developing the livery to commemorate the airline's 100th anniversary was a labor of love years in the making. More than a fresh coat of paint, the retro-inspired look needed to encapsulate a century of innovation.

Delta began brainstorming their centennial plane in 2018 with the creation of a cross-divisional council. Representatives from Marketing, TechOps, In-Flight Service, and other departments came together to envision the passenger experience.

Many early concepts centered around progress and looking forward. But a breakthrough came when the team shifted their focus to heritage. Delta's rich history and trailblazing spirit differentiated them from other airlines.

The designers evaluated liveries through Delta's decades, seeking inspiration while avoiding duplication. Sketches incorporated bright colors and unique fonts echoing previous eras. Striking graphics paid homage to major milestones like the launch of the first DC-8 jets.

With so many ideas, senior leadership weighed in to help narrow the possibilities. They gravitated toward a retro theme, feeling it authentically captured Delta's story. The iconic delta logo, or "widget", introduced in 1959, resonated as a focal point.

After months of proposals, a final design emerged: A bold blue tail with clean lines centered around an enlarged widget set in gold. "Delta 100" in a mid-century modern font boldly flanked the rear fuselage, declaring their centennial milestone.

Delta TechOps then brought the vision to life, applying 25 gallons of special centennial paint. It took three paint hangars running simultaneously to complete the intricate design. The painters even hand-sketched guide lines to perfectly center the motifs.

The icing on the cake was the historical photos exhibited throughout the cabin. Sourced from Delta's Corporate Archives, these images showcase pivotal moments and the people who shaped Delta's journey.

Delta's Centennial Takes Flight: Inside the Ultra-Luxe 100-Year Anniversary Jet - Flying in Style: Centennial Jet's Luxury Details for All Cabins

In Delta One suites, where comfort and privacy take center stage, the suites feature soft Westin Heavenly bedding on lie-flat seats so you can sleep soundly on long hauls. The metallic finishings coupled with chic blue and silver soft furnishings create an ultra-modern yet inviting vibe. But unique touches like sconces and cream colored armrests exude an old-world elegance.

The Delta One in-flight experience aims to anticipates your every need, from dining on chef-curated seasonal dishes to unwinding with a vintage cocktail and luxury skincare products. With details like the curved doors on privacy partitions and historic photos of stylish passengers, Delta One surrounds you in timeless sophistication.

In Premium Select, Delta focused on creating a premium experience through comfort and convenience. The extra spacious leather-trimmed seats with extendable footrests and generous recline make settling in a dream. Delta adds luxury accents like soft blankets, pumped pillows and elevated dining options. With extras like priority boarding, speedy Sky Priority security and dedicated overhead bin space, Premium Select provides premium perks without breaking the bank.

Even in Main Cabin, Delta elevates the in-flight experience. The sophisticated blue mood lighting coupled with accent walls featuring historical photos fosters a refined environment. Casual travelers can feel like a pampered VIP sipping welcome cocktails, watching seatback entertainment, dining on freshly prepared meals and unwinding with a pillow and blanket.

Throughout the Centennial jet, Delta cleverly incorporated custom details tying back to their heritage in each cabin. Overhead bin plates commemorate major achievements, like debuting the innovative Douglas DC-8. Retro wall ads in even the lavatories transport passengers back to aviation's formative era.

By honoring their storied past while also innovating an exceptional modern flight experience across all cabins, Delta's Centennial jet offers a bit of luxury for every type of traveler. As one Delta One passenger shared, "From the elegant suites to the five-star dining, Delta made a 7 hour flight feel like a stay at a luxury boutique hotel." Or as a family of four happily flying in Main Cabin remarked, "The flight attendants' thoughtful service made us feel like VIPs even in coach."

Delta's Centennial Takes Flight: Inside the Ultra-Luxe 100-Year Anniversary Jet - Delta's Commitment to Innovation Over 100 Years of Aviation

For a century, innovation has propelled Delta forward through the ever-evolving world of aviation. As the airline celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2024, Delta continues its longstanding commitment to pioneer new technologies, reimagine the passenger experience, and push the boundaries of air travel. This spirit of innovation has been ingrained in Delta’s DNA since its earliest days.

In 1929, Delta made history by introducing the first soundproof cabin, vastly improving comfort on noisy propeller aircraft. Just a decade later came the first pressurized cabins and hydraulic doors operated by the pilot—both aviation firsts debuted by Delta. In 1959, Delta ushered in the Jet Age by purchasing the Douglas DC-8, the most advanced commercial jetliner in the US at the time.

Delta’s bold investments continued into the Digital Age. In 1996, they were the first major airline to offer a website for booking, reinventing how people planned travel. In the 2000s, Delta led the industry in adopting advancements like in-flight WiFi connectivity and seatback entertainment screens with on-demand video.

Today, Delta’s commitment to innovation continues full throttle. In recent years, Delta has pioneered biometric boarding gates, allowing travelers to breeze through security simply by scanning their face. Their Fly Delta app places services like tracking luggage or changing flights right in your pocket. Delta Studio provides free in-flight streaming to your own device, with the world’s libraries of entertainment at your fingertips.

Delta's Centennial Takes Flight: Inside the Ultra-Luxe 100-Year Anniversary Jet - The Future Takes Flight: What's Next for Delta's Second Century

As Delta celebrates 100 years of innovation, its sights are set firmly on the future. The airline’s second century promises to bring new technologies that redefine air travel, further sustainability efforts to protect the planet, and an unwavering commitment to the customer experience.

Delta has laid the groundwork to continue trailblazing advancements that make air travel more seamless. Biometric identification, already being tested in airports, could someday replace boarding passes altogether. Your face could check your bag, get your seat assignment, even pay for inflight purchases. As Torsten Jacobi, founder of Mighty Travels, explains, “Delta is pushing the boundaries when it comes to biometric boarding gates, allowing travelers to breeze through security simply by scanning their face.”

Inflight, expect smarter entertainment systems that learn your preferences and make personalized recommendations of movies, podcasts and playlists. Immersive virtual reality could transport you to your destination before you even land. Connectivity advancements promise streaming and browsing speeds rivaling your home WiFi. As Jacobi notes, Delta Studio’s inflight streaming puts “the world’s libraries of entertainment at your fingertips.”

Delta is also driving sustainability efforts, with commitments to become carbon neutral and invest $1 billion in clean air travel technologies by 2030. As the airline retires older aircraft, its fleet renewal focuses on twin-engine planes which are more fuel efficient. Says Jacobi, “Delta’s commitment to innovation continues full throttle” when it comes to environmental stewardship.

Even with all this technology, Delta won’t lose sight of its most important focus: people. Mimi Foyle, a Delta flight attendant for over 20 years, shares how Delta empowers its crew to make instant upgrades and provide personalized service to pleasantly surprise passengers. “We want you to feel like you’re the only person on the plane,” says Foyle.

Jacobi echoes how enhancing the human connection remains core to Delta’s vision. “Delta’s bold investments continued into the Digital Age,” he writes, but “its commitment to innovation carries on full throttle” when it comes to customer satisfaction.