Delta Air Lines at 100: Honoring the DC-3 That Transformed Commercial Aviation

On March 2, 2025, Delta Air Lines celebrated a monumental milestone—100 years of flight. From its beginnings as Huff Daland Dusters in 1925, a crop-dusting company combating boll weevils in the South, to becoming one of the world’s leading airlines, Delta’s journey has been defined by innovation, resilience, and a commitment to excellence.

One aircraft played a pivotal role in shaping Delta’s early passenger operations: the Douglas DC-3. Among Delta’s first DC-3s, NC15748 was more than just an airplane—it was a symbol of Delta’s transition into a modern airline, setting the foundation for its success in commercial aviation. As we celebrate Delta’s centennial, we reflect on the impact of this legendary aircraft and how it revolutionized air travel.

NC28341 flickr photo by redlegsfan21 shared under a Creative Commons (BY-SA) license

A Century of Delta: 100 Years of Aviation Excellence

Since its founding in 1925, Delta Air Lines has grown from a small crop-dusting operation to one of the world’s largest and most respected airlines. Over the past century, Delta has been at the forefront of aviation innovation, expanding its routes, modernizing its fleet, and setting new standards for passenger service. This milestone anniversary marks a legacy built on resilience, innovation, and a passion for connecting people across the globe.

Huff Daland Dusters, photo from news.delta.com

Delta’s 100-Year Highlights:

• 1925 – Founded as Huff Daland Dusters, the first commercial agricultural flying company.

• 1929 – Renamed Delta Air Service, launching passenger flights from Dallas to Jackson, Mississippi.

• 1940 – Introduced the Douglas DC-3, marking the beginning of modern passenger service.

• 1959 – Entered the Jet Age with the Douglas DC-8, enhancing speed and efficiency.

• 1987 – Merged with Western Airlines, expanding its network across the U.S. and internationally.

• 1991 – Acquired Pan Am’s transatlantic routes, establishing itself as a global carrier.

• 2008 – Merged with Northwest Airlines, creating one of the world’s largest airlines.

• 2025 – Celebrating 100 years of flight and innovation.

Through these milestones, Delta has continually evolved to meet the needs of travelers while staying true to its commitment to safety, customer service, and operational excellence.

One of the most pivotal moments in Delta’s history was the introduction of the Douglas DC-3. This aircraft not only transformed Delta’s operations but also revolutionized commercial aviation as a whole, setting the stage for modern air travel.

The Game-Changer: How the DC-3 Revolutionized Air Travel

When the Douglas DC-3 first took flight in 1935, it redefined the aviation industry. Prior to its introduction, airlines relied heavily on government-funded airmail contracts to remain profitable. The DC-3 changed that by making passenger service a viable business model for airlines. With its ability to carry 21 passengers in comfort and its unmatched reliability, the DC-3 quickly became the standard for commercial airlines worldwide.

Douglas DC-3 at the Delta Flight Museum, Atlanta, Georgia flickr photo by mattk1979 shared under a Creative Commons (BY-SA) license

The DC-3 was developed by Douglas Aircraft Company in response to American Airlines’ request for an improved version of the DC-2 with enhanced range, passenger capacity, and sleeping berths. The aircraft featured a durable aluminum airframe, a cruising speed of 180 mph, and a range of approximately 1,500 miles, making cross-country flights more efficient. The first DC-3 was delivered to American Airlines in 1936, and it quickly gained popularity among other airlines, replacing older aircraft like the Boeing 247 and Curtiss Condor. Its efficiency and comfort revolutionized air travel, making flying accessible to more passengers than ever before.

For Delta, the DC-3 marked the beginning of a new era, providing a safe, comfortable, and efficient means of air travel. Unlike earlier aircraft, which were noisy and unreliable, the DC-3 featured a pressurized cabin, smooth flight characteristics, and improved fuel efficiency, making it a favorite among passengers and pilots alike. 

Douglas DC-3 At A Glance

DC-3 Specifications:

• Manufacturer: Douglas

• Type: DC-3

• Tail #: NC15748

• Crew: 2 Pilots, 1 Flight Attendant

• Seats: 21

• Wing Span: 95 ft 0 in

• Length: 64 ft 6 in

• Height: 16 ft 4 in

DC-3 Performance:

• Range: 1,400 mi

• Cruise Speed: 190 mph

• Ceiling: 23,200 ft

• Empty Weight: 16,865 lb

• Max Takeoff Weight: 25,200 lb

• Rate Of Climb: 1,130 ft/minute

• Engines: 2x Wright R-1820 Cyclone

Delta’s First DC-3s: A New Era Begins

In 1940, Delta introduced the Douglas DC-3 to its fleet, making it one of the first airlines in the U.S. to operate this revolutionary aircraft. This acquisition allowed Delta to expand its routes and offer dependable passenger service across the southeastern United States. 

Delta’s DC-3s helped establish the airline as a leader in the industry, connecting cities like Atlanta, Dallas, and New Orleans with faster, more comfortable flights. The aircraft played a crucial role in shaping Atlanta into a major aviation hub—a legacy that continues today as Delta’s headquarters remains in the city. Click on the photo below for Delta’s DC-3 brochure.

Delta’s Ship 41: A Historic Treasure Rediscovered

One of Delta’s most significant aircraft is Ship 41, a Douglas DC-3 that played a vital role in the airline’s early years. Delivered in 1940, Ship 41 was one of Delta’s original DC-3s, helping to usher in a new era of passenger travel. The aircraft operated key routes, serving as a backbone for Delta’s expansion during the golden age of aviation.

After retiring from service, Ship 41 was rediscovered decades later and underwent a meticulous restoration to its original Delta Air Lines livery. Today, it stands as a proud symbol of Delta’s history, preserved at the Delta Flight Museum in Atlanta. Ship 41 represents the airline’s journey from a regional carrier to a global powerhouse, and its restoration is a testament to Delta’s commitment to honoring its past while looking to the future. See more photos of Ship 41’s history and restoration here.

The DC-3’s Lasting Legacy at Delta

As the airline industry evolved, Delta transitioned from the DC-3 to larger, more advanced aircraft like the Douglas DC-4, Convair 880, and the jet-powered Douglas DC-8. However, the DC-3’s legacy remained ingrained in Delta’s history.

Today, the DC-3 continues to be a beloved icon in aviation history. Several of Delta’s DC-3s, including NC15748, are preserved in museums and collections, serving as a reminder of how this aircraft transformed the airline industry. The DC-3 is still flown by enthusiasts and remains one of the most enduring aircraft ever built.

Meet NC15748: A Piece of Delta’s Living History

Photo from AerialVisuals

One DC-3 with an unusual history is NC15748. Originally ordered as a Douglas DC-3-455 for Eastern Air Lines, it was instead delivered to the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) as C-49K 43-2013 in January 1943. After being disposed of in 1945, the aircraft was converted to a DC-3A and entered service with Delta as NC15748, later registered as N15748. For nearly a decade, this DC-3 played a crucial role in Delta’s passenger service, connecting key cities and solidifying Delta’s reputation for reliability and comfort. NC15748 was later sold to North Central Airlines in 1957, continuing its journey under a new airline banner. Despite moving on from Delta’s fleet, this aircraft remains a significant part of the airline’s legacy, representing the transformative era when Delta expanded its reach and modernized its operations.

MotoArt Finds A Delta DC-3

Following its Delta service, the aircraft experienced a series of ownership changes, ultimately suffering a crash in private ownership in 1979. It was later donated to the Museum of Flight in poor condition in August 1987, where portions of it were used in the cosmetic restoration of NC91008 (c/n 25422) of Alaska Airlines, which was displayed at the Museum of Flight. In 2024, the MotoArt team journeyed north to obtain material to create PlaneTags. 

"We’re thrilled to celebrate 100 years of Delta Air Lines with the release of PlaneTags from one of their most pivotal aircraft, the DC-3. This aircraft played a major role in shaping modern commercial aviation, and it’s an honor to preserve its legacy in this way." – Dave Hall, Founder of MotoArt PlaneTags.

Delta DC-3 PlaneTags

To commemorate the incredible DC-3 and Delta’s 100-year milestone, MotoArt has created exclusive Delta DC-3 PlaneTags, made from the original skin of NC15748, one of Delta’s DC-3 aircraft. These limited-edition PlaneTags offer a tangible connection to Delta’s early passenger operations and its legacy of innovation in aviation.

Available starting Thursday, March 6 at 12 PM Pacific, these PlaneTags are a must-have for any aviation collector. Whether you're a longtime Delta flyer or a passionate aircraft enthusiast, adding one of these authentic Delta DC-3 PlaneTags to your collection is a way to celebrate 100 years of Delta history.

Don’t miss your chance to own a piece of aviation history—mark your calendar and secure your Delta DC-3 PlaneTag before they sell out!

Celebrating 100 Years of Delta: Honoring the Past, Looking to the Future

As Delta celebrates its 100-year milestone, the legacy of the DC-3 lives on. This aircraft set the stage for Delta’s transformation into a global airline, paving the way for innovations that continue today.

To honor this centennial, MotoArt PlaneTags is commemorating Delta’s aviation history in a unique way—offering some special edition Delta Air Lines PlaneTags and a new collection of items made from classic Delta aircraft materials. These collectibles celebrate Delta’s legacy and bring a tangible piece of aviation history to enthusiasts worldwide.

Don’t miss our other Delta Air Lines PlaneTags.

• DELTA®- Boeing 757-200-N627DL

• DELTA®- MD-88 N982DL

• DELTA®- Boeing 767-332-N143DA

• DELTA®- L-1011 TRISTAR- N786DL

• DELTA®- MD-90-N905DA

• DELTA®- Boeing 717-23S-N987DN

• DELTA-A320-N309US

• DELTA®-CRJ-200ER-N847AS