Delta’s Jet Drag returns, with teams pulling a 757

Airline’s fundraiser brings in more than $600,000 for American Cancer Society.

Delta Air Lines has resumed its annual Jet Drag event with teams of employees competing against each other for charity by pulling a Boeing 757.

The fundraising event outside of a Delta hangar at Hartsfield-jackson International Airport returned Wednesday after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic.

About 150 teams of 20 people each competed to see which is fastest at dragging the jet 20 feet.

The thousands of participating employees raise money to join, with the Jet Drag raising more than $600,000. It’s the 11th time Delta has held a Jet Drag.

Some of the teams of employees fly in from other Delta hubs such as New York, Salt Lake City, Detroit and Los Angeles. The most competitive teams have tryouts and practice by pulling trucks.

Delta CEO Ed Bastian joined a team of cancer survivors. Delta’s elite Skymiles frequent fliers can also bid for a spot on a team, with the proceeds going to charity.

After the pandemic disruption, “It’s a great way for us all to come back together again,” said Eric Phillips, Delta senior vice president of airport customer service. “It’s such a popular event.”

Atlanta, said in a release. “A high school diploma is not enough. Ninety-nine percent of the students we serve are Black and brown kids from low-income situations. They live in communities that have been hit hardest by inflation.”

Kerry Heyward, interim president of Clayton State, said the school is excited about the partnership.

“We believe our collaborative support and systems will effectively serve students of Communities in Schools, Clayton State University, and the local region,” Heyward said.

PHOTOS BY MIGUEL MARTINEZ/MIGUEL.MARTINEZJIMENEZ@AJC.COM Delta employees joined forces to host the Relay for Life and Jet Drag event Wednesday. About 150 teams of 20 people each competed to see which is fastest at dragging a jet 20 feet. After a two-year hiatus, the fundraising gathering is made in partnership with the American Cancer Society.

Delta CEO Ed Bastian (center) took part Wednesday in the Relay for Life and Jet Drag with the “Hope Thrive” team. They are Delta employees who either have cancer, are cancer survivors or are caretakers.