Delta Air Lines played a central role in the symbolic transfer of the Olympic Flag from Paris to Los Angeles following the Closing Ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024. The flag was transported on a custom LA28 livery A350-900, marking the return of the Olympic Games to the United States for the first time since the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics.
After completing this special journey, the custom LA28 aircraft will return to regular service, offering Delta customers the unique experience of flying on the same aircraft that carried the Olympic Flag across the Atlantic.
As the Official Airline of Team USA and a founding partner of the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Delta was honored to be part of this momentous occasion. The flight carried a delegation from Team USA, LA28, and notable dignitaries, offering a glimpse of what’s to come for the LA28 Games.
Delta’s Commitment to LA28 and the Olympic Spirit
Alicia Tillman, Delta’s Chief Marketing Officer, emphasized the significance of the partnership between Delta and LA28, stating, “Delta and LA28’s partnership is built around our shared values of connecting the world – and nothing brings the world together like the Olympic and Paralympic Games.” She added that Delta is committed to investing in the future of Los Angeles and the LA28 Games to ensure they are brought to life in the biggest and best way possible.
The custom LA28 livery, designed by Delta’s in-house creative agency, Window Seat, features a distinctive design with Delta blue, Delta red, and Olympic gold blending into a sunset-like gradient. The aircraft also displays three palm trees, symbolizing the three times Los Angeles has hosted the Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games: 1932, 1984, and the upcoming 2028. This honor is shared by only two other cities globally – Paris and London.
The aircraft’s design also includes the Delta x LA28 integrated emblem, making history as the first in the Olympic and Paralympic Movement to use a corporate icon within the official logo.
Sustainable Aviation Fuel and Delta’s Environmental Commitment
Delta is not only making headlines with its involvement in the Olympic flag transfer but also with its efforts toward sustainability. The airline is covering the cost of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) for the LA28 Flag Flight to reduce the environmental impact. Although SAF was not physically used on the Paris to Los Angeles flights, Delta is displacing the estimated 45,000 gallons of conventional jet fuel consumed by replacing it with SAF for its California-based operations. This effort is part of Delta’s broader commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
Reynold Hoover, CEO of LA28, expressed excitement for the upcoming Games, saying, “Paris just put on an incredible Games, and from one iconic host city to the next: we are ready to bring this flag home for the 2028 Games.” He also thanked Delta for its partnership in organizing the special flight.
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