ST. PAUL, Minn., Jan. 23, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Delta Air Lines (NYSE:DAL) and St. Paul-based 3M are expanding the Delta brand across more than 200 airports worldwide -- including 10 in Minnesota previously branded as Northwest Airlines -- as part of the airline's efforts to seamlessly integrate Delta and Northwest following their merger in October.
Late last year, Delta began consolidating and rebranding Delta and Northwest airport facilities to consistently display the distinctive red, white and blue Delta brand. The airline is working with 3M Company's Brand Owner Solutions group to produce and install Delta's corporate and brand identity markings at Northwest-branded gates, ticket counters, check-in, loading bridges and curbside areas, as well as baggage claim service offices and other in-airport signage worldwide.
"Working with 3M, a globally recognized leader in innovative product solutions, is another example of Delta's commitment to select best-in-class companies to ensure our seamless product integration and a positive experience for our customers worldwide," said Tammy Lee Stanoch, Delta's vice president of Corporate Affairs in Minnesota. "The selection of 3M further reinforces our commitment that Delta's merger with Northwest will continue to provide great benefits for the state of Minnesota and businesses headquartered here."
When Delta launched its new brand in 2007, 3M transformed more than 200 Delta locations in 60 days, often completing the conversion in a single night to minimize business interruptions. "We leveraged our large network of authorized partners to ensure quality and image consistency from printing through installation. The collaborative commitment from Delta and 3M was critical in accomplishing such a time-sensitive project of this scale," said Bob Doughty, vice president and general manager of 3M Commercial Graphics.
To date, Delta and 3M have completed airport transformations in eight Minnesota airports -- Bemidji, Brainerd, Duluth, Hibbing, International Falls, Rochester, St. Cloud and Thief River Falls -- as part of the airline's merger-related rebranding efforts. Delta expects to complete rebranding in all airports throughout the United States by the end of 2009, including its Minneapolis/St. Paul hub which is scheduled for conversion in late March. Rebranding in international locations is expected to be complete in 2010.
In all locations, signage and airport staff will support customers by providing clear direction and assistance regarding any changes made to the airline's operation and facilities.
About 3M
A recognized leader in research and development, 3M produces thousands of innovative products for dozens of diverse markets. 3M's core strength is applying its more than 40 distinct technology platforms -- often in combination -- to a wide array of customer needs. With $24 billion in sales, 3M employs 79,000 people worldwide and has operations in more than 60 countries. For more information, visit www.3M.com.
About Delta Air Lines
Delta Air Lines is the world's largest airline. From its hubs in Atlanta, Cincinnati, Detroit, Memphis, Minneapolis-St. Paul, New York-JFK, Salt Lake City and Tokyo-Narita, Delta, its Northwest subsidiary and Delta Connection carriers offer service to 377 destinations worldwide in 66 countries and serve more than 170 million passengers each year. Delta's marketing alliances allow customers to earn and redeem either SkyMiles or WorldPerks on more than 16,000 daily flights offered by SkyTeam and other partners. Delta and its 75,000 worldwide employees are reshaping the aviation industry as the only U.S. airline to offer a full global network. Customers can check in for flights, print boarding passes, check bags and flight status at delta.com.
The Delta Air Lines, Inc. logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=1825