Delta Air Lines 100 Years of Flight: A Legacy Captured in Coasters

As Delta Air Lines celebrates its 100th anniversary, we are honored to commemorate this milestone with a special set of coasters made from the skin of three historic Delta aircraft. Each coaster in this exclusive collection represents a pivotal era in Delta’s aviation history, highlighting the airline’s transformation from a regional carrier into a global leader in air travel.

Following our recent celebration of Delta’s 100 years with a DC-3 PlaneTag, which symbolizes the airline’s early days, we now turn the spotlight to Delta’s rise as an international powerhouse. These coasters, crafted from the Boeing 747, Boeing 757, and Boeing 767, represent the aircraft that propelled Delta into the global arena, expanding its reach and redefining modern travel.

Boeing 747
Boeing 757
Boeing 767

Boeing 747 N670US: The Queen of the Skies

Though Delta was not historically known as a 747 operator, the airline inherited a fleet of Boeing 747-400s following its merger with Northwest Airlines in 2008. N670US was among the last of Delta’s 747s, serving prestigious routes to Asia and beyond.

With its unmistakable humpbacked design and sheer capacity, the 747 was a passenger favorite and a symbol of long-haul luxury. The Queen of the Skies was used to connect Delta passengers with major business and leisure destinations across the Pacific. 

Its official retirement came in 2017, though it participated in a memorable farewell tour that same year. This coaster allows aviation enthusiasts to hold onto a tangible piece of this legendary aircraft’s journey.

• Milestone: 2008 – Delta merges with Northwest Airlines
  The merger brings the 747-400 into Delta’s fleet, strengthening its international reach across the Pacific.
• Milestone: 2017 – Delta retires the Boeing 747
   Delta bids farewell to the 747 with a nostalgic send-off tour, closing a historic chapter in U.S. aviation.

Aircraft Spotlight: N670US

N670US Delta Air Lines Boeing 747-451 / 6310 (cn 24225/804) flickr photo by TDelCoro shared under a Creative Commons (BY-SA) license

N670US was originally delivered to Northwest Airlines before joining the Delta fleet in 2009. It flew long-haul international routes until its retirement in 2017. The aircraft was featured in Delta's farewell 747 events and was later stored and dismantled in Arizona.

Boeing 757 N623DL: The Versatile Workhorse

The Boeing 757-200 was a vital part of Delta’s domestic and international routes, offering unmatched versatility in both short- and medium-haul markets. N623DL was one of Delta’s longest-serving 757s, utilized for everything from high-density domestic routes to premium transatlantic service.

Introduced in the early 1980s, the 757 gave Delta the ability to reach smaller cities with narrow runways or expand to international destinations where wide-bodies weren’t viable. Its unique combination of range, power, and efficiency made it a go-to jet for more than three decades. This coaster preserves a piece of aviation history from one of the most iconic aircraft Delta has flown.

• Milestone: 1984 – Delta becomes the launch customer for the PW2037 engined Boeing 757
• Milestone: 1984 - First 757 delivered to Delta was Ship 602 (N602DL), which arrived in Atlanta on November 5, 1984.

Aircraft Spotlight: N623DL

Boeing 757-232 ‘N623DL’ Delta flickr photo by HawkeyeUK shared under a Creative Commons (BY-SA) license

N623DL joined Delta’s fleet in the mid-1980s and flew for the airline for more than 35 years. It served across both domestic and transatlantic routes before being retired in 2020. 

Boeing 767 N144DA: A Wide-Body Pioneer in International Travel

The Boeing 767-300ER helped revolutionize Delta’s international operations, providing the range and efficiency needed for long-haul flights. N144DA was part of Delta’s transatlantic expansion, connecting passengers to Europe, Asia, and beyond with unparalleled comfort. The aircraft’s twin-engine configuration allowed for more cost-effective operations, helping Delta become a global leader in air travel.

Entering service in the 1980s, the 767 gave Delta the flexibility to offer direct international flights from hubs across the U.S. without sacrificing fuel efficiency or passenger capacity. This coaster embodies the 767’s impact on Delta’s international reach, celebrating a beloved aircraft that bridged continents and connected people worldwide.

• Milestone: 1984 – Delta launches its first transatlantic flight
  Delta begins service from Atlanta to London Gatwick, marking the start of its long-haul international growth.
• Milestone: 1990 – Introduction of the Boeing 767-300ER
  N144DA joins Delta’s fleet, becoming part of its expanding global operations.
  

Aircraft Spotlight: N144DA

N144DA - Delta Boeing 767-300 flickr photo by AndrewC75 shared under a Creative Commons (BY-NC-ND) license

N144DA flew for Delta for nearly three decades, primarily on international routes. It represented Delta’s confidence in the 767 as a long-haul workhorse. After a long and productive career, it was retired in the early 2020s.

Honoring 100 Years: A Team Effort to Celebrate Delta

To mark Delta’s 100-year anniversary in a meaningful way, MotoArt PlaneTags CEO Dave Hall envisioned something truly special, something that would go beyond PlaneTags and celebrate the airline’s global reach and legacy. The result was a set of three unique coaster collections, each one crafted from genuine aircraft skin from a Delta Boeing 747, 757, or 767.

"For so many of us, Delta has become a symbol of travel. Going places, reconnecting, and moving forward. As a lifelong aviation enthusiast, it means a lot to be able to honor their progress in a way that feels both elegant and lasting. These coasters are our tribute to the legacy Delta has built, and the journeys still to come. Here's to another hundred years - at least."
— Dave Hall, CEO of MotoArt PlaneTags

Creating these coasters was a hands-on process for our small but passionate team. From sourcing and acquiring the aircraft skin, to precisely cutting, lasering, and finishing each coaster by hand, every step was handled with pride and care. Our close-knit crew personally assembled the commemorative packaging, ensuring it would reflect the significance of this milestone, ensuring each piece would be something collectors would treasure.

It was all hands on deck to have these products ready in time for the centennial celebration. And what made this project even more meaningful? A portion of the proceeds from the Delta 100 Celebration products will be donated to the Delta Care Fund, supporting Delta employees and their families during times of crisis.

Delta Coasters: A Collectible Tribute to Delta’s 100-Year Legacy

This exclusive set of Delta Air Lines coasters is more than just a collector’s item. It’s a celebration of aviation history and a nod to the aircraft that helped shape Delta’s success. Whether you’re a Delta frequent flyer, an aviation enthusiast, or a collector of PlaneTags, this limited-edition set is the perfect way to commemorate a century of Delta’s innovation and excellence in air travel. 

Order your Delta 100-Year Anniversary Coaster Set beginning Thursday, March 20, 2025 at 12PM Pacific, and own a piece of Delta’s remarkable journey through the skies!

Celebrate Delta's 100 Years with PlaneTags

Don't forget to complete your Delta 100 collection with the other official anniversary collectibles from MotoArt. Add the Delta DC-3 PlaneTag, created from one of the earliest symbols of Delta’s passenger service, and our rebranded Delta 100-Year PlaneTags Collection, honoring a century of flight with updated cards and engraving. Check out 100 Years of Delta: A Century of Evolution in Flight and Branding