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Calling all flyers: For the first time ever, you can carry a piece of an aircraft in your wallet. Delta and
'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,' said
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'This is the most unique card design Delta and Amex have created to date,' said
AIRCRAFT HISTORY
The Boeing 747 Reserve Card started out as Delta ship #6307, a now-retired Boeing 747-451. The Boeing 747, known as 'The Queen of the Skies' and 'The Jumbo Jet' for its majestic presence and distinctive 'hump,' set the stage for many advancements in air travel and was a beloved part of Delta's fleet.
The double-decker 747 revolutionized the industry; it was a major engineering advancement compared to prior long-range planes with its speed, long-haul flight capability and sheer size. The aircraft marked the beginning of an era of more accessible international travel and came with luxuries like spiral staircases to the upper deck and stand-alone piano bars.
Following Delta's 747's retirement in 2017, Delta introduced the Airbus A350 into its fleet, which is one of the most advanced and fuel-efficient long-haul planes to date. The A350 is the first aircraft to feature the Delta One Suite, the world's first 'all-suite' business class, and an improved cabin experience throughout.
TRANSFORMATION: THE CARD
To begin the transformation from 'wings to wallet,' Delta teams reached out to the team at the boneyard in
After a year of research and development to ensure the airplane metal could work as a functioning credit card that stands up to daily wear and tear, a team of metal workers began disassembling the aircraft. They then prepped the aluminum exterior so the material could be cleaned, processed and rolled into thin sheets to preserve its authenticity. The Boeing 747 Card is made with 25% airplane metal and has layers of polymer print to protect the aluminum as well as an antenna that enables contactless payments.
In parallel, Delta and Amex were hard at work on a sleek design that pays homage to the aircraft's history and the 747's distinctive shape. At every step, teams took care to ensure that the Card would honor the history of the retired aircraft while giving it a new purpose through this project.
FLIGHT STORIES
The 747 was more than an iconic aircraft. It was the setting for weddings, including flight attendant Holly R. and pilot Gene P.'s, who tied the knot on board Delta's final 747 ferry flight in 2018.
The Queen of the Skies leaves a legacy that lives on through stories like these and, now, through the limited-edition credit card design in your wallet. If you want to learn more about this iconic aircraft, visit the dedicated Boeing 747 exhibit at the
Whether you are a foodie, thrill-seeker, business traveler or looking to spend more time with loved ones, the Delta SkyMiles American Express Cards are your ticket to more - and more enjoyable - travel. Learn more about our limited-time offers, special-edition Boeing 747 Reserve and Reserve Business card design and best-in-class travel benefits.
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