Delta Air Lines Establishes Educational Partnerships For Career Academy In Aviation Technology.

NEWPORT NEWS, VA.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 5, 1998--Delta Air Lines (NYSE:DAL) officially launched the Delta Air Lines Career Academy for Aviation Technology (DALCAAT) with Denbigh High School. The academy partners the airline with select high schools around the country to provide better educational opportunities for students wishing to pursue careers in aviation technology.

The first of its kind for an airline, DALCAAT will work to increase the number of students interested in the aviation field at a time when industry trends show a limited pool of qualified maintenance professionals available.

At a press conference today at Denbigh High School, Delta Senior Vice President - Technical Operations Ray Valeika said, "Delta is taking a proactive role in helping to educate the leaders of tomorrow for the numerous career opportunities in aviation. As part of our ongoing commitment to the communities we serve, Delta is honored to offer such a program which will widen the door of opportunity for future generations to come."

Superintendent of Schools Wayne D. Lett, Ed. D. said, "The potential for educational growth and career opportunities in aviation technology, as provided by this partnership between Newport News Public Schools and Delta Air Lines, is tremendous. We look forward to a long and successful relationship between the Denbigh High School Aviation Academy and Delta Air Lines."

Partnerships have been established with four high schools in key areas of the United States. The high schools have formed relationships with post-secondary schools that are certified to train students for a Federal Aviation Administration license. The schools are: -0-

High School           Post Secondary School          Location
-----------           ---------------------          ---------
Denbigh HS            Hampton University             Newport News,VA
Aviation HS           College of Aeronautics         Queens, NY
South Atlanta HS      Atlanta Tech. Inst./Clayton    Atlanta, GA
                      State
Skyline HS            Tarrant County Junior College  Dallas/Ft.Worth, TX

DALCAAT was officially launched in late September, and is geared toward grades 10-12. Students will elect to participate in the program, and will devote substantial time towards this niche study while still participating in general classes with the student body.

Career academies are high school based "schools-within-schools" with a specific technical career theme, providing students with focused training in that career in addition to the core curriculum. The concept, which began in the late 1960s, has been adopted by several industries, including electronics, telecommunications and food service.

Delta will provide financial assistance, internships, scholarships, summer job programs, and facility tours. Delta employees will also participate in the classrooms, further providing real-life experience.

Delta carried more passengers worldwide last year than any other airline. Delta, Delta Express, the Delta Shuttle, the Delta Connection carriers and Delta's Worldwide Partners operate 5, 132 flights a day to 354 cities in 61 countries.