Delta funding Georgia Tech research facility for airline projects

ajc.com

Credit: Kelly Yamanouchi

Credit: Kelly Yamanouchi

Delta Air Lines said it is partnering with Georgia Tech on a research facility in Midtown Atlanta to fund projects to help improve its operations and the customer experience.

Altanta-based Delta is funding the project with a $2 million grant.

The airline already has a five-year lease on a 6,500-square-foot space in the Centergy building in Georgia Tech's Technology Square, to launch the new venture there in early 2016.

ajc.com

Credit: Kelly Yamanouchi

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Credit: Kelly Yamanouchi

Delta said the move continues a commitment it has to innovation, including pioneering the hub and spoke system in 1955 and being the first U.S. airline with motion graphic maps in the cabin showing the aircraft's position and route in 1992. Delta also says it was the first to launch a mobile baggage tracking app in 2011.

Meanwhile, the Delta Air Lines Foundation has awarded a $3 million grant for the Georgia Tech Advanced Manufacturing Pilot Facility on 14th Street in Midtown.