News

Delta Airlines recently celebrated the 30th anniversary of its launch of transatlantic services.

On 30 April, 1978, Delta Airlines flight no 10 embarked on its maiden voyage from Atlanta to London Gatwick.

As well as being a landmark point in Delta's operations, this was a milestone for the US hub that was to develop into what is now the world's largest airport.

The success of Delta's transatlantic service was the catalyst for the airline's international growth, leading to the launch of services to destinations in Latin America as well as Asian cities such as Tokyo and Shanghai.

Glen Hauenstein, Delta's executive vice-president of network management, said: 'By the end of this year we will have added almost 100 new international routes since 2005.

'What started with a single flight across the Atlantic eventually put Delta, our hometown of Atlanta and its airport on an unstoppable globalisation path.'

Air travel was significantly different in 1978 to the industry of today, with a round-trip fare between Atlanta and London costing the equivalent of $2,764 (£1,394) in today's money and all reservations made over the telephone.

Opodo cheap flights, hotels and car hire - let the journey begin!