In a recent episode of NPR’s “All Things Considered,” Delta CEO Ed Bastian joined host Ari Shapiro to share how the airline’s strategy of putting people over profits amid the global pandemic remains top priority now and in the future."We believe that taking care of the safety of our customers, as well as our people, is more important than the profits that we forgo by filling up every seat on a plane," Bastian said. “We could do that if we if we chose to, but we feel that we'd rather take care and put safety at the top of the priority list.”
Bastian reiterated the steps the airline is taking to do this – including company-wide testing for pilots, flight attendants, airport employees and more – to create a safe flying experience and build confidence among customers.
“We have implemented so many changes in our safety protocols, our customer surveys tell us that this is the best travel experience on Delta they've ever seen.”
Listen to the complete interview online.
Ed, who we are told is actively looking for a political position after he leaves Delta has been very accessible in this time of crisis and have presented a reassuring presence to both employees and customers of the mega-carrier. Last week he sent the message below to all customers:
"Amid all that is going on across the world, you can continue to expect an unmatched level of care from Delta. When you travel, you can be confident in our steadfast commitment to getting you where you need to go safely. Health experts agree that a multi-layered approach provides the greatest opportunity to slow the spread and stop the virus. Our approach to protecting you and Delta employees includes the following layers:
Employee testing
You want to know that the people caring for you while traveling are healthy. Delta has partnered with Quest Diagnostics and Mayo Clinic to create a program to test virtually all employees in the next four weeks. This first round of testing ensures any infected individuals are identified quickly and given time to recover at home, reducing exposure to others. The results will also help design strategies to keep you and our people safe in the months ahead. The infection rate among our customer-facing employees is below the national average and exemplifies that the layers of protection in place are working.
Requiring masks
Wearing a mask is one of the most effective ways to reduce the COVID-19 infection rate. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently shared that no symptomatic secondary cases were reported after 139 salon clients were exposed to two symptomatic hair stylists with COVID-19 while both the stylists and the clients wore face masks. That’s why we remain committed to requiring you and our employees to wear a mask or face covering when you travel with Delta through December 31. Exceptions include young children who cannot maintain a face covering and unaccompanied minors. If you have an underlying condition that prevents you from wearing a mask, you are required to complete a "Clearance-To-Fly" process when you arrive at the airport for everyone's safety.
Blocking middle seats and limiting capacity on all flights
By capping seating to reduce the number of people on board and blocking middle seats through the end of September, you can rest assured that you will have space for safer travel on Delta flights. For your comfort and safety, more flights will be added as planes reach the capacity limit and middle seats will continue to be blocked beyond September.
Continued focus on cleaning
The satisfaction scores from those of you traveling have never been higher as you recognize the Delta people who are delivering these health and safety efforts. In the airport, you’ll find our check-in lobbies, self-service kiosks, gate counters and baggage claim are thoroughly sanitized many times throughout the day, and disinfectant electrostatic spraying is happening across all of the airports Delta serves in the U.S. On board all flights, you’ll experience enhanced cleaning procedures, including disinfectant electrostatic spraying on aircraft, sanitizing high-touch areas before each flight and cleaning the lavatories more frequently in flight.
Thank you for doing your part by wearing masks, abiding by social distancing and traveling more consciously for yourself and others. As you plan or adjust future travel as well as navigate ever-changing policies, check out the latest information about where we’re flying and travel restrictions. When you are ready to travel, we are here for you."
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