Hank Aaron 755 takes flight for Delta

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Delta Air Lines honored baseball legend Hank Aaron Monday for his home run record even as Barry Bonds nears surpassing it this season.

The airline named a specially branded Boeing 757 the 'Hank Aaron 755' - the number of total home runs the slugger hit with the Milwaukee and Atlanta Braves and the Milwaukee Brewers. The plane is branded with artwork from Aaron's historic 715th home run, which beat Babe Ruth's record.

Hank Aaron, wife Billye and Delta CFO Edward Bastian before the Boeing 757 honoring Aaron's baseball achievements.

The ceremony, held near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, was attended by both Aaron and Delta Chief Financial Officer Ed Bastian.

"Mr. Aaron thrilled millions of fans in his years with the Braves," said Bastian. "As Atlanta's hometown airline and the official airline of the Atlanta Braves, Delta (down $0.35 to $18.53, Charts) is proud to dedicate one of our aircraft to a resident of the Atlanta community who has become a national treasure and a global baseball icon."

Aaron broke the home run record on April 8, 1974, going deep off Los Angeles Dodger pitcher Al Downing. Aaron went on to hit 755 home runs in a 23-year career and still holds Major League Baseball's all-time records for runs batted in, extra-base hits and total bases.

Barry Bonds of the San Francisco Giants hit his 748th home run Sunday. Delta recently emerged from bankruptcy.