In more recent times, in 2007, Delta climbed out of bankruptcy in and put forth plans to merge with financially strapped Northwest Airlines. When the merger finalized in 2010, Delta kept the naming rights and became the world’s largest airline at that time.

Headquartered in Atlanta, GA, Delta Air Lines provides service to all six habitable continents serving roughly 315 destinations in 55 countries. Similar to other US-based legacy carriers, Delta transports its 180 million annual customers through its network of hub airports. These key hubs in the United States include Atlanta (ATL), Detroit (DTW), Los Angeles (LAX), Minneapolis (MSP), New York (JFK), New York (LGA), Salt Lake City (SLC), Seattle (SEA). Delta also has a substantial presence in foreign markets such as Amsterdam (AMS), Paris (CDG), London (LHR), and Tokyo (NRT).

SkyMiles, Delta’s frequent flyer program, was launched in 1981, the same year and shortly after competitors American and United’s were introduced. Delta is the only major US airline that has no expiration dates on accrued mileage allowing users to redeem miles at any time on its loyalty program and with partner airlines in the SkyTeam alliance. As one of the four founding members of the SkyTeam alliance in 2000, Delta customers have access to code-share agreements and reward redemptions with SkyTeam’s roster of 20 airlines. Giving Delta frequent flyers flight options to over 1,000 destinations spread out amongst 170 plus countries, with partner service from other SkyTeam key members that include Air France, Korean Air, Aeromexico, and KLM. Outside the SkyTeam group, Delta also has partnerships with non-alliance members WestJet, Virgin Atlantic, and Hawaiian Airlines.

With its industry-leading global network, Delta Air Lines operates a fleet of more than 850 aircraft. Up until 2014, Delta was listed as the world’s largest airline in both passengers carried and revenue, a title it has since lost due to the merger of US Airways and American. Read Less