A Century in the Sky: Delta Marks 100 Years with a Retro-Inspired Safety Video

As Delta continues celebrating its 100th year of flight, the Atlanta-based airline is now offering a nod to its storied past with an enlightening new safety video set to debut in April. Titled “A Hundred Years of Safety,” the new video creatively honors the airline’s legacy while delivering essential safety instructions to passengers.

A Journey Through Time

According to Delta, the new safety video takes travelers on a visual tour through the decades, starting in the 1920s, showcasing how air travel and Delta itself have evolved over the past century.

The production offers a vivid portrayal of Delta’s history, featuring 11 Delta logos and 10 employees donning meticulously recreated pilot and flight attendant uniforms from various eras. These authentic pieces were sourced with the expertise of archivists from the Delta Flight Museum.

Delta enthusiasts and long-time frequent flyers will also enjoy a nostalgic cameo from the iconic “Deltalina,” the red-haired flight attendant Katherine Lee, who became a sensation in the airline’s 2008 safety video.

“These quintessential uniforms and references not only demonstrate just how much has changed throughout the last 100 years of air travel – including habits, fashion, and culture – but that Delta’s commitment to safety has always been our top priority,” said Maya Dukes, Managing Director of Global Brand Strategy, Creative, and Social.

FAA Collaboration for Compliance

While the historical theme adds a charming flair, Delta stresses that the video’s primary focus remains clear: ensuring passenger safety. According to the airline, Delta collaborated closely with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for months to ensure all safety information met regulatory standards. The video covers essential instructions, from identifying emergency exits to proper oxygen mask usage and evacuation procedures.

Photo: Courtesy of Delta Air Lines

“Air travel is the safest form of transportation, and that’s because safety is embedded into every aspect of our business and the industry,” said Kristen Manion Taylor, Delta’s Senior Vice President of In-Flight Service. “Rigorously training our flight attendants to be safety professionals and educating our customers on the safety protocols they’re expected to comply with is non-negotiable.”

How have Safety Videos Evolved?

Inflight safety videos have a fascinating history that mirrors technological advancements and changing methods of engaging passengers. These videos came into existence as air travel gained popularity in the mid-20th century, with airlines realizing the necessity of conveying crucial safety information to passengers in a consistent manner.

In the early years, safety briefings were conducted live by flight attendants. This practice began in the 1930s and 1940s as commercial aviation became more popular, with flight attendants showcasing how to use seat belts, oxygen masks, and life vests while explaining emergency protocols.

Photo: Courtesy of Kenny Eliason / Unsplash

However, this approach faced obvious challenges, such as variations in delivery, difficulty in hearing over cabin noise, and the struggle to maintain passengers’ focus.

The transition to pre-recorded safety briefings started in the 1980s alongside the introduction of in-flight entertainment systems. Airlines began utilizing video screens to relay safety information, typically featuring basic visuals and spoken narration.

One of the first airlines to embrace this change was British Airways, which launched a video in 1988 that included simple animations and live demonstrations. These initial videos were direct and functional, aiming solely to meet the compliance requirements set by aviation authorities.

As technology advanced, so did the quality of production. By the 1990s, airlines started testing more innovative methods to capture passenger interest, as research indicated many travelers overlooked the briefings.

For example, Virgin Atlantic debuted a memorable animated safety video in 1996 with a humorous, stylish approach, establishing a trend for captivating content.

Delta followed in 2007 with a video featuring the aforementioned “Deltalina,” presenting instructions with a playful wink and finger wag, combining authority and charm.

The 2010s represented a peak in creativity. Airlines like Air New Zealand embraced pop culture, launching a 2011 video inspired by The Lord of the Rings, complete with hobbits and elves, leveraging the fame of the nation’s film industry.

Others, such as Turkish Airlines, collaborated with celebrities—think of Zach Galifianakis and Morgan Freeman—to attract attention and even produced two Lego-themed videos, which became tremendously popular.

However, one of the most exhilarating videos ever released was produced by British Airways, featuring some of the top actors and influencers from the British entertainment industry, including Mr. Bean and Gordon Ramsay, highlighting how humor, animation, and local elements have become strategies to ensure that mandatory safety messages resonated with passengers.

Overall, inflight safety videos now blend entertainment with education, often reflecting an airline’s brand identity. Digital screens on seatbacks have increased accessibility, and some airlines even post these videos on YouTube for pre-flight viewing.

In the Video: The Evolution of Delta’s Uniforms

Throughout Delta’s “A Hundred Years of Safety” video, viewers will see various Delta uniforms worn by its flight attendants, reflecting the fashion and culture of the airline’s respective decades. Each piece tells a story, capturing the evolution of Delta and the aviation industry.

Photo: 1960s female winter uniform. Courtesy of Delta Air Lines

“The Delta uniform is an extension of who we are – a globally recognized, premium brand built on core values,” said Ekrem Dimbiloglu, Managing Director of Onboard Strategy and Experience. “Our people earn the ability to wear these uniforms and represent the Delta brand – which is why we rely so heavily on their feedback when designing them.”

Photo: 1970s male uniform. Courtesy of Delta Air Lines

With more than 165,000 seatback screens across its fleet, Delta’s new safety video will certainly reach a vast audience. The airline hopes the blend of historical homage and practical instruction will both engage and educate passengers as they prepare for takeoff.

“Our safety video is viewed by hundreds of thousands of customers every day from all walks of life,” Dukes said. “It’s the perfect creative venue to honor our history and people while captivating the attention of customers as they prepare for their journey.”

As Delta looks to the future, this new safety video serves as a reminder of the airline’s commitment to its centennial celebrations and the well-being of its passengers.