The official carrier for the US Olympic team (Team USA), Delta Air Lines, has deployed its flagship Airbus A350-900 to Beijing for the 2022 Winter Games. On January 27th, the airline welcomed athletes from across the country to Los Angeles, where a special charter flight was ready for boarding.

Delta Air Lines' A350 charter flights to ferry athletes

One of the first groups of Team USA athletes departed the United States for Beijing, China, on Thursday. As part of a special ceremony held in Los Angeles, Delta took the opportunity to showcase its unique role in the games as the official carrier for American athletes. The Delta-hosted LAX send-off event saw more than 200 athletes, coaches and trainers walk a red carpet and board their aircraft in a private hangar.

As per special Beijing Olympic requirements set by the Chinese government, athletes are being flown on special charter flights, separate from regular commercial services. This is different from previous games, which, according to Delta, has athletes traveling based on their individual schedules, typically on standard commercial flights.

Although Delta has created a special Team USA livery for one of its A330-900s, the special charter flights to Beijing will be operated by Delta's fleet of Airbus A350-900s. This opportunity, Delta says, will allow the airline to take "full advantage...to deliver a once-in-a-lifetime experience."

“These athletes will be competing and representing the United States without family, friends or fans in the stands. So, we’re determined to make this first Team USA-only charter an unforgettable experience – one where athletes feel as special during their journey as we feel proud watching them compete,” - Tim Mapes, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer.

Delta Olympic sendoff
Athletes were greeted and sent off by airline employees holding signs of encouragement. Photo: Delta Air Lines

More than just a charter flight

In its attempt to make the charter flights extra special, Delta has created a "Team USA-themed, customized in-flight experience" for the athletes to enjoy during the 14-hour flight to Beijing. Special touches include:

  • Personalized meals with input from Team USA nutritionists and a Team USA chef – featuring local, fresh, and seasonal ingredients that are also high in protein.
  • New amenity kits featuring sustainable products to enhance wellness.
  • Custom flight attendant uniforms that include a Team USA x Delta branded mask, shirt, and apron for each member of the in-flight crew.
  • Team USA athlete spotlights featured on seat-back entertainment screens showcasing exclusive interviews, playlists, and favorite Olympic and Paralympic moments from US athletes.
  • Handwritten messages of encouragement and cheer from Delta employees. Messages are also displayed in a mural installed at LAX and digitally throughout the airport.
Delta Olympic sendoff
200 Team USA athletes, coaches, and other staff were at Thursday's event. Photo: Delta Air Lines

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2022 and beyond

Beyond Beijing, Delta Air Lines will be the official airline for several more Olympic and Paralympic Games. This agreement will see the airline support Team USA through to the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games, of which Delta is a founding partner.

Thus, Delta will be the carrier for Team USA at Paris 2024, Milano Cortina 2026, and LA28. The airline has also served as a past sponsor of the Olympic and Paralympic Games in its hometown of Atlanta in 1996 and hub-city Salt Lake City in 2002.

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