 |
| Delta CEO Ed Bastian Photo Delta |
As CEO of Delta Air Lines, Ed Bastian leads a team of 80,000 global professionals that is building the world’s premiere international airline, powered by a people-driven, customer-focused culture and spirit of innovation.
Under Ed’s leadership, Delta is transforming the air travel experience with generational investments in technology, aircraft, airport facilities and, most importantly, Delta’s employees worldwide. A 20-year Delta veteran, Ed has been a critical leader in Delta’s long-term strategy and champion of putting Delta’s shared values of honesty, integrity, respect, perseverance and servant leadership at the core of every decision.
At the start of the last weekend, Ed Bastian sent the email update below to SkyMiles Members:
I recently received an inspiring note from a medical professional who flew Delta to perform three lifesaving surgeries on children. It was a reminder that travel continues to be essential for many who are on the front lines responding to this pandemic, and why, if you must fly, our work to transport you safely is more important than ever.
For those of you who cannot travel right now, our mission is to serve you by helping with the crisis response. In addition to flying medical volunteers free of charge to some of the hardest-hit areas in the U.S., Delta has joined brands across the globe in partnering with health and community organizations. That includes our cargo division transporting critical supplies where they are most needed, like the 500,000 surgical masks delivered to Michigan last weekend for nurses and doctors on the front lines. With changes to onboard and Delta Sky Club® offerings, we donated 200,000 pounds of food to hospitals, food banks and other community groups,while face shields manufactured by Delta Flight Products are being used by hospital workers in New York and Atlanta.
Through it all, I am humbled by the ways you continue to heal our communities and embody the hope we need today. When you must travel:
Your safety remains paramount. Following the CDC’s recommendation, we’re providing face masks to employees, and I encourage you to bring a face mask for your own protection. And new initiatives will make space for safer travel through June 30 by blocking middle seats, limiting the number of people on each flight, boarding by rows from back to front, and pausing automatic advanced Medallion® Complimentary Upgrades to process them at the gate.
Flexibility is important in uncertain times. Since the last update, change fee waivers have been extended to allow travel through Sept. 30, 2022, for customers who have upcoming travel booked as of today through Sept. 30, 2020, or have canceled travel from flights in March through Sept. 30, 2020.
We remain committed to taking care of the Delta people who take care of you, and are thankful to members of Congress, the President and the Administration for recognizing the importance of our people and industry via the CARES Act payroll protection. This bipartisan support will help ensure that air travel plays a leading role in the recovery once the pandemic is contained, and that our people will be positioned to serve you when you’re ready to resume flying.
As everyone adapts to this new normal, many of you are posting on social media reminiscing about your favorite destinations and where you hope to travel with us next. Thank you for those shared moments. We can’t wait for the day when we’re taking you on your next adventure and appreciate your support.
Sincerely,
Ed Bastian, CEO
Recommended for you...