Delta Airlines is, as of 2009, the largest airline in the world. From its humble roots as a crop dusting firm, Delta has grown organically and through numerous acquisitions.
Delta was founded in 1924 as Huff-Daland Dusters, a crop-dusting service. Delta eventually started passenger service in the deep south. The airline purchased smaller airlines, including Chicago and Southern Airlines.
In 1972, Delta purchased Northeast Airlines to strengthen its northern market share. New larger jets were introduced for longer-haul routes. In 1981, Delta Airlines launched its frequent flier program. In 1987, Delta purchased Western Airlines, giving it a large hub in Salt Lake City.
Facing increasing competition, rising fuel prices and bloated costs, Delta filed for bankruptcy in 2005. Delta had before attempted to avoid a bankruptcy filing by squeezing concessions out of pilots and by selling assets.
Delta emerged from bankruptcy in April, 2007 and introduced a new logo. The multi-year bankruptcy shed millions of dollars in costs and resulted in a reduction in the airline's staff and fleet. During bankruptcy, the airline also rebuffed a takeover attempt from US Airways.
In April 2008, Delta announced a merger with Northwest Airlines. The new merged airline, once operations are consolidated, will be the largest airline in the world. The combined airline will use the Delta name and logo. The merger closed in October, 2008.
Delta is integrating Northwest Airline's fleet and operations into its own. The consolidation will be completed in 2010.
