Delta Air Lines marked 1,000 days until the start of the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games by launching a commitment to plant 1,000 trees in Los Angeles before the Opening Ceremonies. The initiative, carried out in partnership with local nonprofit TreePeople, began with a tree planting event that involved Delta employees, community members, and local leaders.
“As we count down to the LA28 Games, Delta’s 4,500 Los Angeles–based employees are getting ready to welcome the world to our city,” said Scott Santoro, Delta’s Vice President of Los Angeles and West Coast Sales. “Los Angeles isn’t just a destination on our route map—it’s home, and on the road to LA28, we’re proud to continue efforts to showcase a city that’s not only a global gateway, but a community we’re committed to strengthening for years to come.”
The event at Jackie Tatum Harvard Recreation Center included more than 50 Delta employees, 10 Delta SkyMiles Members, and four-time Olympian Brenda Villa. Together with TreePeople, they planted and distributed 100 trees as part of the larger goal to plant 1,000 trees over the next 1,000 days. The trees are intended to provide shade, improve air quality, and support environmental resilience in South Los Angeles.
“TreePeople is thrilled to partner with Delta to grow a positive, lasting legacy for LA28,” said John D. Bunzel, Chairman of the Board at TreePeople. “By planting 1,000 trees in 1,000 days, we’re not just preparing the city to welcome the world in 2028—we’re investing in cleaner air, cooler streets and stronger communities for generations to come.”
In addition to planting trees, Delta and TreePeople distributed fruit trees to local families during the event. The partnership aims to bring both immediate and long-term benefits to communities in Los Angeles in the lead-up to the Games.
Delta has a longstanding presence in Los Angeles, with more than 4,500 employees in the area. The airline collaborates with over 25 local organizations focused on education, workforce development, hunger relief, and sustainability. Delta is also the Official Airline Carrier of Crypto.com Arena, the LA Kings, and the LA Lakers.
Delta recently announced new routes from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Hong Kong and Chicago beginning in June 2026. The airline operates as the largest global carrier at LAX by seats and departures, with more than 160 peak-day departures to over 50 destinations.
Delta is the inaugural founding partner of LA28 and will continue as the Official Airline of Team USA, supporting athletes and staff as they travel to Los Angeles for the Games in 2028.
