Quantcast

Delta Air Lines was the largest operator of the Lockheed TriStar L-1011

Delta CEO says the Trump administration will reverse government ‘overreach’ seen under Biden
Spirit Airlines files for bankruptcy: How will it affect your travel plans?
Asia's airlines blame supply chain woes for disrupted operations
Qantas and Qatar Airways: Planned partnership in the Australian aviation industry under the microscope
Spirit Airlines delays release of Q3 financial results as debt restructuring talks heat up
Delta investigating after plane’s nose mysteriously suffered damage
What Elon Musk's Starlink means for airlines
CAP OFF Major twist in Dublin Airport passenger cap row as High Court pauses decision in victory for airlines next summer season
Riyadh Air plans new jet order decision early next year
Calls for a blanket ban on politicians receiving free flight upgrades
Wizz Air Loses Challenge Against EU-Approved Romanian Aid for TAROM
Southwest, Other Airlines Plan a Shake-Up. Why They Need More to Boost Their Stocks.
One of Boeing's biggest customers leveled fresh criticism over ongoing 737 Max delivery delays
Low-Cost Airlines Innovate with Subscription Models
LA Considers $25 And $30 Minimum Wages For Hotel And Airport Workers
Airlines are on the hook for more than you think if something goes wrong with your trip
WA Labor & Industries plans to create new airline worker protections
Airlines must now give automatic refunds for significant delays. Here's what to know.
American Airlines Technical Operations, Fleet Service, Cargo and Central Load Planning team members ratify new agreement
Spirit Airlines Pursues Bankruptcy as a Path to Tie-Up With Frontier
American Airlines fined $50M for violating disability laws
Canada's flight attendant union applauds NDP bill to end unpaid work in the airline sector
American Airlines testing new technology that would crack down on boarding
Exciting New Airline Routes Coming to North
Another city ignores airport commission's advice, zones for housing near JWA
United shares hit pre-pandemic high after airline forecasts strong finish to 2024, plans buyback
Alaska Airlines Just Made Its Loyalty Program Even More Lucrative With New Rewards, Better Upgrades, and More
Food safety problem closes Detroit airline kitchen leaving 200 flights without meals
5 Reasons Why Kazakhstan's Air Astana Is Establishing Itself As A Key Player In Asian Aviation
JetBlue is no longer serving hot food in economy class on transatlantic flights
Delta Air Lines was the largest operator of the Lockheed TriStar L-1011
Policy
Webp received 1133005955262244
Delta Air Lines | Official Website

Delta Air Lines was the largest operator of the Lockheed TriStar L-1011, a visually distinct aircraft distinguished by its third engine integrated into the fuselage. The L-1011 marked Delta's development and transformation, particularly on transatlantic routes.

The history of this aircraft began in the 1960s as airlines sought new long-range models. Lockheed developed the TriStar L-1011, a widebody aircraft, entering service in 1972, overcoming engine-related setbacks. Eastern Air Lines debuted the L-1011, and Delta acquired many of their planes following Eastern's dissolution in 1991.

Delta initially launched L-1011 services on December 15, 1973, from Atlanta to Philadelphia, gradually increasing its flights. The aircraft's long-range capabilities facilitated Delta's transatlantic reach, starting with flights to London Gatwick in 1978. In 1979, Delta became the first U.S. carrier to operate the L-1011-500 version, extending services to Hawaii and new European destinations.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

The L-1011 also played a role in Delta's transpacific operations. In the late 1980s, services were launched to Seoul, Taipei, and Bangkok. The current Delta hub for transpacific routes is in Los Angeles, with contemporary destinations including Sydney, Auckland, and Tokyo.

The L-1011's configuration on Delta ranged from high-capacity domestic arrangements to transatlantic layouts accommodating 241 passengers in three classes. Its onboard comfort was highlighted in promotional materials, emphasizing quietness and spacious interiors.

Delta retired its last L-1011 on July 31, 2001, concluding an era of extensive use of the aircraft, which it had deployed as recently as 1998 for transoceanic flights. Throughout its service, Delta operated 70 L-1011s, outpacing Eastern's 44 and securing its position as the predominant operator.

Lockheed produced 250 L-1011s, favored by several airlines. Notably, Delta, Eastern, Trans World Airlines, and ATA Airlines collectively operated significant numbers in North America. Despite the cessation of production in 1984 and a record of several tragic incidents, the L-1011 remains iconic in aviation history.

Various carriers worldwide adopted the L-1011; however, North American operations, especially Delta's, highlighted the aircraft's regional success. Delta Air Lines' name remains closely associated with the L-1011's legacy, owing to the impacts the aircraft had on its international service expansion.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Long Beach Airport has announced a new daily nonstop service to Baltimore Washington International (BWI) through Southwest Airlines.

Jun 7, 2025

Lidl workers in Belgium initiated a strike and blockades on June 5, following similar actions in France and Italy.

Jun 6, 2025

Delta Air Lines is expanding its flight offerings for the 2025 pro football season, introducing new routes and increasing capacity to accommodate fans traveling to major games.

Jun 6, 2025

National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) President and CEO Ed Bolen addressed the U.S. House Aviation Subcommittee, emphasizing the urgent need to reform the nation's air traffic control (ATC) infrastructure.

Jun 6, 2025

Last month, over 130 volunteers from Delta Air Lines and several partner organizations collaborated to construct a new playground in College Park, Georgia.

Jun 6, 2025

Walking together on Omaha Beach, 19-year-old college student Caleb Walker and 101-year-old WWII veteran Jack Myers reflected on the sacrifices made during the D-Day invasion.

Jun 6, 2025