OREANDA-NEWS. Delta Air Lines' (NYSE: DAL) annual "Breast Cancer One" employee survivor charter flight launches today, kicking off the airline's October fundraising campaign for The Breast Cancer Research Foundation and celebrating the organization's two decades of dedication to preventing and finding a cure for breast cancer.

"Twenty years ago Evelyn Lauder created the iconic Pink Ribbon to raise international awareness of breast cancer, and in those years BCRF has helped save lives and improve the quality of care for tens of thousands of breast cancer patients," said Joanne Smith, Delta's senior vice president – In-Flight Service. "We are so proud that Delta, with our employees, customers and families, has been a significant sponsor for nearly half of the foundation's history, and that our 'Pink Plane' has helped spread BCRF's message worldwide."

Delta's Pink Plane, a Boeing 767-400, will fly from Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport with more than 140 employee cancer survivors from locations around the world. It marks Delta's ninth annual BCRF survivor flight.

In addition to the pink plane, throughout October Delta's administrative building at its general offices in Atlanta will be illuminated in pink lighting in support of BCRF. To further raise awareness and support for breast cancer research, Delta employees will wear pink uniforms and sell pink products on board and in Delta Sky Clubs, including pink lemonade and pink headsets, All proceeds benefit BCRF.

Since 2005, Delta's employees, customers and their friends and families have raised USD 6.7 million for the foundation, with more than USD 1.75 million raised last year alone. Delta's contributions have funded the vital work of 18 different research projects over the years in the pursuit of eradicating breast cancer.