Delta CEO Ed Bastian: Travel Demand Soaring, Business Travel Recovery at 80%

Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian said in an interview that travel demand “has been off the charts” and that people “are investing in themselves rather than price” by choosing premium options. He also said that Delta is aggressively pursuing premium and younger travelers with perks like free Wi-Fi and partnerships with streaming channels.

Bastian said that business travel is “about 80% back” and that “new work patterns” mean that travel is more dispersed through the week. He added: “When I talk to CEOs and they moan about how they’re having a hard time getting their employees in, I say: ‘I know where they are; they’re on my airplanes.'”

Delta reported its highest quarterly revenue and earnings ever in the second quarter of 2023, thanks to a relentless post-pandemic travel boom that has defied fears of an economic slowdown for months. The airline also lifted its full-year profit outlook and said it expects strong continued travel demand for a multi-year period.

Bastian said that Delta has been able to differentiate itself from its competitors by focusing on customer service, safety, reliability, and innovation. He said that Delta has been the leader in implementing health protocols, such as requiring masks and vaccinations for employees, and offering testing and quarantine facilities for international travelers.

He also said that Delta has been investing in new technologies, such as biometric boarding, digital identity verification, and blockchain-based loyalty programs. He said that Delta’s goal is to create a seamless travel experience that is personalized, convenient, and enjoyable for its customers.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, msn.com, cnbc.com, hbr.org