Delta First Officer Kyle Foley has logged countless hours as a pilot, but the one-and-a-half hours he logged last week were extra special. Tucked in his luggage was a framed picture commemorating one of his earliest flight hours – as a 12-year-old passenger on Delta’s first-ever DREAM flight in 2000.

Now on its 24^th year, the special charter flight features an all-Black crew that carries Black students to an aviation-themed destination to inspire the next generation of aviators. This year, the flight was bound for the Pensacola Naval Base where the young students learned about Naval aviation and got to take in a demonstration by the world-renowned Blue Angels.

“Being able to take what everyone poured into me as a student on the DREAM Flight, to now being a Delta pilot and carrying the torch forward is a full circle moment,” said Foley. “Introducing students to careers in aviation and inspiring youth to reach for the stars is the reason why this flight was created. I’m an example of the impact that these programs can make – and that dreams really do come true.”

Delta’s DREAM flight represents the airlines commitment to exposing students from underrepresented groups to the world of aviation and a commitment to developing a more diverse and inclusive future for the aviation industry. The program is hosted in partnership with the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP).

“It is part of our culture to give back, and this allows kids to see their future in a way that they may not have had the opportunity to see it before,” said Kurt Ford, Managing Director of Flight Operations, Business Support, Technology and Strategy. 

In addition to participants of the OBAP ACE Academy, this year Delta invited students from five Atlanta schools including Carver High School, Elite Scholars Academy and The Kindezi School. A diverse group of volunteers attended to engage with the students throughout the day, sharing their personal journeys within Delta.

The ongoing partnership between Delta and OBAP has given more than 4,000 youth immersive learning opportunities to better understand pathways to aviation careers. The primary goal remains to grow students’ interest in aviation through fun and educational opportunities while pairing them with mentors.