Delta's newly opened flight museum houses several airplanes in two original maintenance hangars dating back to the 1900s.
This includes an airplane the airline used to fly its first passenger flight from Dallas, Texas to Jackson, Miss., 85 years ago. The two-hangared facility underwent significant renovations funded by the Delta air Lines Foundation and other sponsors. A 117-seat theater is included in the facility, along with a 30-seat conference room inside a L-1011 TriStar aircraft. Visitors can also peer into the cockpit of an L-1011 TriStar plane.
The attraction was designated a Historic Aerospace Site in 2011.
"This museum is a testament to the rich history and unique culture of Delta, which has always been deeply rooted in our people," said Richard Anderson, Delta's chief executive officer, in a prepared statement. "The museum also commemorates Delta's contributions to passenger aviation, which influences economic growth and development and fosters greater understanding across cultures. We are proud to welcome the world to the Delta Flight Museum as we celebrate our 85th anniversary of passenger service."
The museum also has hundreds of artifacts new to the public, which illustrate the airline's history over the last eight decades and summarize the company's growth and evolution in the public airline business. Delta's facility also has five ancient airplanes. These include a Travel Air 6B Sedan that replicates the airline's initial passenger flight in1929, and the Spirit of Delta Boeing 767 jetliner.
"For decades, Delta Air Lines has served as a major economic engine for our state," said Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal at the grand opening celebration. "It's an honor to be here today, both to showcase the rich history of commercial aviation in Georgia and to honor the thousands of people who have worked to make Delta one of the world's most successful airlines."
