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The story behind the sign: "Fly Delta Jets" in neon at Hartsfield-Jackson

070131 - ATLANTA, GA -- Delta employees and executives celebrate the re-lighting of an Atlanta landmark, the "Fly Delta Jets" sign, which broke several years ago. The sign is located at the company's technical operations center at Hartsfield Jackson International Airport. Although the event was planned prior to today's announcement that US Airways is withdrawing its takeover bid, in its own way, the event marks a positive direction for the troubled Atlanta airline. Pictured getting their picture taken in front of the sign is Delta pilot Capt. Art Williams with Kathy Hunt, with the Delta pilots union. Right is Delta First Officer William Kessler (cq). (RICH ADDICKS / AJC staff)

Credit: Kelly Yamanouchi

Credit: Kelly Yamanouchi

070131 - ATLANTA, GA -- Delta employees and executives celebrate the re-lighting of an Atlanta landmark, the "Fly Delta Jets" sign, which broke several years ago. The sign is located at the company's technical operations center at Hartsfield Jackson International Airport. Although the event was planned prior to today's announcement that US Airways is withdrawing its takeover bid, in its own way, the event marks a positive direction for the troubled Atlanta airline. Pictured getting their picture taken in front of the sign is Delta pilot Capt. Art Williams with Kathy Hunt, with the Delta pilots union. Right is Delta First Officer William Kessler (cq). (RICH ADDICKS / AJC staff)
By
Nov 11, 2015

The "Fly Delta Jets" sign is an iconic landmark at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, and it has a fascinating backstory.

070131 - ATLANTA, GA -- Delta employees and executives celebrate the re-lighting of an Atlanta landmark, the "Fly Delta Jets" sign, which broke several years ago. The sign is located at the company's technical operations center at Hartsfield Jackson International Airport. Although the event was planned prior to today's announcement that US Airways is withdrawing its takeover bid, in its own way, the event marks a positive direction for the troubled Atlanta airline. Pictured getting their picture taken in front of the sign is Delta pilot Capt. Art Williams with Kathy Hunt, with the Delta pilots union. Right is Delta First Officer William Kessler (cq). (RICH ADDICKS / AJC staff)

Credit: Kelly Yamanouchi

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Credit: Kelly Yamanouchi

Installed in 1968, the sign went dark sometime around the time of the company's financial troubles and was relit in 2007 as the company fought off a takeover by US Airways.

See photos and read more about the "Fly Delta Jets" sign on the myajc.com gallery on Atlanta's history in neon.

About the Author

As business team lead, Kelly Yamanouchi edits and writes business stories. She graduated from Harvard and has a master's degree from Northwestern.

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