Delta unveils special aircraft which will carry Team USA to Summer Olympics in France

Delta Airlines has unveiled its custom-painted Airbus A350 which will carry Team USA athletes to the Summer Olympic Games in Paris in late July.

The plane made its debut in Toulouse, France — location of Airbus’ global headquarters and where there plane was built and painted, according to Delta. Among those on hand for the reveal were the 100 members of the Delta Chairman’s Club — the airline’s top employees as chosen by their peers.

After its debut in France, the Team USA plane made its first flight to Delta’s hub in Atlanta, with the Chairman’s Club honorees aboard. The plane was given a water cannon salute at Atlanta’s Hartsfield Jackson International Airport and greeted by USA athletes, Delta leadership and past Chairman’s Club honorees.

“Unveiling the Team USA aircraft for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024 marks a major milestone for Delta’s support of Team USA as we look toward the start of competition in just a few months,” said Chief Marketing Officer Alicia Tillman. “This plane, designed by our in-house creative team, represents Delta’s commitment to Team USA and our partnership to elevate these athletes to reach their highest potential.”

The plane’s design was the work of Alessandra Rabellino and Delta’s internal brand design team, Window Seat. The design includes element of the Team USA logo for both the Summer Olympics and Paralympic Winter Games of 2022, when Delta’s eight-year partnership with the U.S. Olympic Committee began.

“We evolved one of the main features from the Beijing Livery – the jet stream – into the shape of the Eiffel Tower, symbolizing momentum as we countdown to Paris,” Rabellino said. “Being able to see the big reveal after the curtain drop was so exciting. But what is even more special is being part of this occasion alongside the Chairman’s Club Honorees who have such a big impact on our company – it’s a true honor.”

The Team USA plane won’t be mothballed until late July, however. Once it completes final certifications in a few weeks, it will begin flying regular routes with Delta customers aboard. Delta says the plane will be based out of Atlanta and primarily fly transatlantic routes.