Delta Air Lines and American Express have launched limited-edition credit cards made with 25 percent airplane metal from Delta Ship #6307, a retired Boeing 747. Customers can apply for the Delta SkyMiles Reserve and Reserve Business cards through August 3, 2022.
On Thursday (June 16, 2022), Delta Air Lines announced the launch of limited-edition American Express cards made with 25 percent metal from Delta Ship #6307, a retired Boeing 747. From June 16th through August 3, 2022, customers can apply for the Delta SkyMiles Reserve or Reserve Business Card, while supplies last, and carry a piece of aviation history in their wallet. In addition to exclusive travel benefits, cardmembers will also have access to an augmented reality experience that comes with the welcome kit and features the history of Delta Ship #6307, the Boeing 747, flight stories and the creation of the card itself.
In Thursday’s announcment, Delta Air Lines SVP – Customer Engagement & Loyalty, Dwight James, said,
“The idea of making a metal credit card out of actual airplane metal began years ago, and the creativity and innovation that was required to achieve this is incredibly meaningful. We’ve partnered with Amex to transform a piece of Delta's history into a collector's item you can use in your everyday. The 747's legacy lives on for a new generation of Delta flyers through this first-of-its-kind credit card that our members will be proud to keep in their wallets.”
Also commenting on the launch of the new limited-edition credit card, American Express’ SVP and General Manager of Cobrand Product Management, Jon Gantman, added,
“This is the most unique card design Delta and Amex have created to date. To transform fuselage into metal that can withstand the wear and tear of everyday use while still functioning as a contactless credit card was a huge feat. This special-edition Boeing 747 card design is one more way Delta and American Express continue to partner together to bring Card Members unique products and experiences.”
Following the retirement of Delta Ship #6307 in 2017, the Boeing 747 was relocated to a boneyard in Arizona. To begin the card transformation process, the Delta team reached out to the facility to determine if it would be possible to disassemble the fuselage and mold it into metal that could be cut into a credit card. After a year of research and development to determine if the metal could stand up to the daily wear and tear as a credit card, a team of metal workers began disassembling the aircraft. The aluminum was then prepped, cleaned and processed into thin sheets to preserve its authenticity. The final product is made with 25 percent airplane metal and has layers of polymer print to protect the aluminum, as well as an antenna for contactless payments.
At the same time, teams at Delta and AMEX worked on a sleek design that would honor the Boeing 747’s history. Delta Ship #6307 has a long and storied past, and holds special meaning for Delta customers and team members alike. During its lifetime, the aircraft transported U.S. servicemembers, evacuated travelers from Florida during Hurricane Irma and transported travelers to bucket-list destinations worldwide. The aircraft even served as the setting for weddings, including a Delta pilot and flight attendant who tied the knot onboard during the aircraft’s final ferry flight in 2018.
Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL) is the global U.S. airline leader in safety, innovation, reliability and customer experience. The carrier operates over 4,000 daily flights across more than 275 destinations on six continents. Delta has over 75,000 team members and has served as many as 200 million customers annually. For the last decade, the carrier has led the industry in operational excellence, while maintaining their reputation for award-winning customer service.
Source: Delta Air Lines