Delta and its partner airline KLM came together on Aug. 3, for the annual Canal Parade in Amsterdam, one of the most iconic LGBTQ events in the world. Elaborately decorated boats navigated the historic waterways through the city and the two airlines made their own notable impact with a boat designed in the shape of an airplane. 

Delta’s sponsorship of the Amsterdam Canal Parade, which traditionally marks the end the city’s Pride Week, aligns with its corporate values of inclusivity and global community support. This year’s theme for Amsterdam Pride, ‘Together We Shine,’ was chosen to highlight that the community is stronger when it is united in pursuit of freedom.

“Pride brings everybody together. It’s all about inclusivity, belonging and, above all, joy,” said Ralph Albus, Director – Global Communications EMEAI. “It doesn’t matter who you are or who you work for, we stand shoulder to shoulder to support each other with Pride.”

The warm weather this year made for a spectacular turnout with over half a million people lining the canals to watch 80 decorated boats as they embarked from Amsterdam’s Oosterdok and cruised past iconic Dutch landmarks including the ‘Skinny Bridge’ towards the parade’s end.

“As this year’s theme was ‘Together We Shine,’ it was fitting for KLM to join Delta and stand in solidarity with all those working in support of the LGBTQ+ community within the airline industry,” said Joost van der Sande, Chairperson – KLM Over the Rainbow.

Brighton & Hove Pride Parade

Over in the UK, Delta and Virgin Atlantic partnered to sponsor the popular Brighton & Hove Pride for the first time. The theme of the parade was “JOY: Celebrating Life, Spirit, Resilience,” and it is regarded as the biggest and most vibrant of all the UK’s Pride events. More than 300,000 people thronged the seaside city’s streets to celebrate and participate in the parade for the all-singing, all-dancing rainbow-colored carnival including over 100+ Delta and Virgin Atlantic colleagues.

“Brighton Pride was a fantastic celebration for the LGBTQ+ community and we were delighted to partner with our friends at Delta,” said Jon Hilton, Senior Global Accounts Manager – Virgin Atlantic.  “On both sides of the Atlantic we continue to champion our people and use the power of our brands to make the world a more inclusive place for everybody.” 

“Beyond our sponsorship involvement, we advocate for the community by supporting employees, meaningful organizations and LGBTQ+ movements. Events like this help encourage us as we move forward in ways that support the equal treatment and protection of people from diverse backgrounds,” said Cory Campbell, Field Director Airport Customer Service EMEAI – Delta.

Delta has a strong presence in Europe, and its involvement in both the Amsterdam and Brighton & Hove Prides reflects the airline’s strong stance for equality and diversity. Delta has sponsored or participated in 25 Pride events in 2024 and is a key sponsor of the Atlanta Pride Festival later this year in October.