Delta Air Lines, the fastest-growing carrier at Los Angeles International Airport since 2009, continues to deepen its L.A. footprint outside the airport as well. Through a new three-year agreement, Delta is now the official airline partner to The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). 

The partnership is Delta’s first with a West Coast school following a renewed effort, launched last year,  to forge alliances with universities across the U.S. that embed the airline and its employees in campus and alumni events, academics and career recruiting, all in an effort to become a lifelong travel partner to future customers.

Delta will be the Official Airline of UCLA Athletics, Official Airline of the Alumni Association of the University of California, Los Angeles, and Official Airline of the Rose Bowl Stadium.

“Delta is proud to welcome UCLA, one of the country’s top universities, to our expanding portfolio of L.A. partners,” said Ranjan Goswami, Delta Vice President – Sales, West.  “Like the city of Los Angeles itself, UCLA comprises a richly diverse community, and our partnership illustrates and underscores our commitment to become the airline of choice for all Angelenos.”

To celebrate the sponsorship, Delta made some “solid gold” noise on Wednesday at LAX, where the airline will soon embark on a $1.9 billion plan to build a world-class facility at Terminals 2 and 3. The famous UCLA Bruin Marching Band, known as The Solid Gold Sound, surprised customers with performances inside Delta’s current Terminal 5. The UCLA Spirit Squad, UCLA Bruins’ mascots Joe and Josephine Bruin, and several of Delta’s own UCLA alumni greeted customers with UCLA game tickets and fan flair.

“Los Angeles is a key hub for Delta, and our pledge to L.A. means more than providing exceptional service at LAX,” said Jake Abel, General Manager – University Marketing.  “Our support of UCLA reflects our deep commitment to the community. Delta is proud to be associated with UCLA Athletics, and we wish the Bruins great success this year and in the future.”

Last week, Delta supported students at UCLA’s campus move-in day with Delta Sky360 lounges stocked with complimentary drinks, snacks, massages and merchandise giveaways. The partnership will also include promotions, on-campus events and advertising. Noted elements include permanent branding at the Rose Bowl and signage at home football and men’s basketball games.

“We are excited to partner with Delta as the official airline of UCLA Athletics,” said Josh Rebholz, Senior Associate Athletic Director at UCLA. “While Delta is an industry leader and global giant, they’re also very involved in the Los Angeles community. Their support plays an important role in helping our student-athletes as they continuously strive to be champions in competition and in the classroom.”

Delta’s newest sponsorship in L.A. bolsters the strong momentum the airline has generated in the City of Angels over the past several years. Today the airline offers more than 175 peak-day departures to more than 60 destinations from Los Angeles and is moving forward with plans to build a world-class, $1.9 billion facility at Terminals 2 and 3, creating a premier space for its operations alongside its airline partners.  Delta also supports dozens of organizations and events that are vital to the fabric of Los Angeles, including serving as the official airline of the Lakers, Kings, GRAMMYs and LA Pride.

Delta’s other university partners include Boston College, University of Florida, University of Georgia, Georgia Institute of Technology, Indiana University, University of Michigan, Michigan State University, University of Minnesota, University of North Carolina, North Carolina State University, University of Notre Dame, The Ohio State University, Penn State University, Syracuse University and University of Wisconsin.