Federal, state lawmakers honor Delta for a century of service and innovation

Editor's note: This article was originally published on March 6 and has been updated to include the introduction of Delta resolutions in the United States Congress, the L.A. County Board of Supervisors and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

Federal lawmakers this week introduced bipartisan, bicameral resolutions in the U.S. Congress honoring Delta for its Centennial anniversary. They join a handful of policymakers across the U.S. who are honoring Delta for a century of service and for “100 years of connecting people to the world and each other.”

Georgia U.S. Senators Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock together with Utah Senators Mike Lee and John Curtis introduced a resolution in the U.S. Senate. Additionally, Georgia U.S. Reps. Nikema Williams (GA-5) and Brian Jack (GA-3) introduced a resolution in the U.S. House, co-sponsored by Reps. Buddy Carter (GA-1), Sanford Bishop (GA-02), Hank Johnson (GA-04), Lucy McBath (GA-06), Rich McCormick (GA-07), Mike Collins (GA-10), Barry Loudermilk (GA-11), Rick Allen (GA-12) and David Scott (GA-13). 

Read the U.S. Senate and U.S. House Resolutions.

“I’m proud to sponsor this bipartisan resolution honoring a truly historic American company on its 100^th birthday,” said Utah Senator Mike Lee. “From dusting crops in Georgia to flying Americans around the globe, Delta has grown and taken wing to get Utahns—and families all across our great country—where they need to go.”  

“Delta has been part of Utah’s story for generations. Utahns across the state hold fond memories of watching Jazz games at the Delta Center or taking Delta flights in and out of Salt Lake City International Airport,” said Utah Senator John Curtis. “As Delta marks its 100-year anniversary, I commend the company for its lasting impact on Utah’s economy—providing jobs, bolstering industry, and strengthening trade.”

“For 100 years, Delta and its dedicated employees have taken Georgia to greater heights and propelled our state to the forefront of our nation’s aviation economy,” said Georgia Senator Reverend Warnock. “From its roots in Atlanta to its ever-growing global impact, Delta’s success is a testament to the thousands of workers who continue to push the boundaries of aviation innovation and their continued and growing commitment to supporting the communities where they live, work, and serve. As a U.S. Senator committed to the betterment of Georgia workers and businesses, I look forward to working together to ensure soaring success in the century to come.” 

“Delta Air Lines is one of the many reasons the Fighting Fifth continues to soar,” said U.S. Rep. Nikema Williams (GA-5). “Delta’s centennial celebration is a testament of both a successful business and a community pillar. Through their continual advocacy and leadership in education, sustainability, and equity, Delta demonstrates true partnership with not just communities in Atlanta but globally. Delta is a driver of the state’s business growth, infrastructure investments, and our worldwide influence. Delta is the connector of Atlanta to the world.”

“I am honored to introduce bipartisan legislation commemorating Delta Air Lines’ 100-year anniversary.  Delta is the world’s premiere international airline, and its success has transformed the communities I proudly represent in Congress.  The history of my hometown, Peachtree City, is interwoven with the growth of Delta,” said U.S. Rep. Brian Jack (GA-3).  “Delta is a shining example of why business and industry continue to thrive across Georgia, and I am excited to work with my colleagues – Republicans and Democrats – to honor Delta’s 100-year history of connecting people to the world and to each other.”

Read more about the centennial resolutions from Delta’s hub-state lawmakers.

“This recognition is not only about Delta’s legacy-- it is about celebrating the Delta employees who have made this company everything it is, including the thousands right here in Los Angeles County,” said Supervisor Hahn, whose daughter, Katy, is a Delta flight attendant.  

Georgia lawmakers introduced a resolution in the state’s House of Representatives Monday to honor and commemorate Delta’s Centennial anniversary. CEO Ed Bastian joined Georgia legislators on the House floor and delivered remarks on behalf of the airline to recognize lawmakers for their partnership over the years.

“Georgia’s strong pro-business climate – created by the leadership in this room and across our state – is one of the key reasons Delta has thrived since locating our headquarters here in 1941,” said Bastian on the House floor. “We wouldn’t be here today without the support of the people in this room and those that served before you.”

The Georgia House resolution – authored by Rep. Matt Hatchett (R–Dublin), Chair of the House Appropriations Committee – called on the Georgia House of Representatives to “recognize and commend Delta Air Lines upon the grand occasion of its Centennial anniversary and celebrate its century of excellence, innovation and service.” 

"The centenarian milestone that Delta Air Lines has reached is a proud moment for all Georgians and especially the 36,000 Delta employees who call Georgia home,” said Chairman Matt Hatchett. “As a former Delta employee, I know firsthand how dedicated Delta people are to delivering a superior customer experience while achieving distinction in every aspect of their business. As a state that prides itself in being world class, Delta’s industry-leading connectivity has strengthened Georgia’s position as the top state for business and has brought significant contributions to our economic vitality.”

The Georgia Senate also introduced a resolution honoring Delta for its Centennial, authored by Georgia Sen. John Kennedy (R– 118), and Georgia Governor Brian Kemp presented Delta with a commendation. 

Additionally, Gov. Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp recorded a special congratulatory video message. 

Later this month, Delta will continue the celebration with its own “Delta Day at the Capitol,” to recognize and honor the airline’s Centennial alongside state and local lawmakers across Georgia.

Delta has called Georgia home since 1941 and employs more than 36,000 Georgians. Delta is also at the heart of Georgia’s economic infrastructure, anchoring Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport as a major driver of job creation and economic growth. 

As Delta’s hometown hub, the airline continually invests in enhancing operations and community initiatives. Additionally, Delta also serves Georgia's regional economic hubs, including Albany, Augusta, Brunswick, Columbus, Savannah and Valdosta.

Learn more about Delta’s story in Georgia.

Minnesota 

In addition to the resolutions from the state of Georgia, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz issued a proclamation declaring March 2, 2025 as “Delta Air Lines Day” across Minnesota. 

“I am excited to honor Delta Air Lines for being the first U.S. airline to celebrate its Centennial anniversary,” said Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. “The people of Delta, including the more than 7,300 who call Minnesota home, are an important partner to the State of Minnesota, connecting Minnesotans and Minnesota businesses across the globe.”

Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) has long been known as Delta’s “second home,” and the airline’s “Northern Headquarters” for over 15 years. As MSP’s largest global carrier, Delta currently operates more than 350 peak-day flights to 142 destinations. 

Learn more about Delta’s story in Minnesota.

Massachusetts

In the Bay State – home to more than 2,000 Delta employees – Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey issued a proclamation honoring Delta for its Centennial milestone across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

"I commend Delta Air Lines for a century of innovation and service to customers around the globe, but especially at our very own Boston Logan International Airport,” said Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey. “As Delta works to shape the next 100 years of flight, they're doing so with a vision of connecting people to a more seamless and sustainable future of travel. I look forward to their continued success and economic growth alongside the state of Massachusetts.”

Delta has operated at Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) for 90 years and our commitment to BOS is stronger than ever. The economic impact Delta delivers in Boston is driven by the 65 nonstop destinations the airline serves on 168 peak day flights. 

Learn more about Delta’s story in Massachusetts.

New York and New Jersey

In New York and New Jersey – where Delta serves 11 airports including the airline’s LaGuardia and JFK hubs – the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey recognized and honored Delta for its Centennial anniversary.

“All of us at the Port Authority are delighted with the relationship we have with Delta. We couldn’t be more grateful and gratified for having a wonderful partner in Delta,” said Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole. “We stand ready to continue to work side-by-side with Delta and we appreciate all the faith you have in us as we continue to partner on providing a world-class air travel experience for our region.” 

“The Port Authority is pleased to recognize Delta as the first U.S. airline to reach a centennial milestone, which reflects both endurance and excellence,” said Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton. “We congratulate Delta and thank the airline for its historic partnership with the Port Authority at LaGuardia and JFK International airports, where we are creating new, world-class airports for the next century of air travel.’'

Delta has operated at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) since 1946, LaGuardia Airport (LGA) since 1945 and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) since 1957. Combined, that’s more than 225 years of Delta operations to and from these three major airports.

Learn more about Delta’s story in New York and New Jersey.