Richard Anderson,
Delta Air Lines' new CEO, says the carrier will be a secure, stable employer.
Anderson has also moved to extinguish rumors about a possible merger with his former employer, Northwest Airlines. In an interview with Atlanta’s WXIA-TV, the airline’s new chief said he is committed to never seeing the bankruptcy court again and to running an airline known as a truly global carrier. “Stability and security, we want to control our own destiny and we want our employees to have stability and to have prosperity in their careers at Delta,” said Anderson. “We will be ferocious competitors.”
On the subject of the rumored merger talks he said, “There is no deal with Northwest, no deal contemplated with Northwest, no discussions with Northwest,” he said. "If you want to think what two words with respect of our view of consolidation, it's strength and control." The bottom line, said Anderson, is that Delta will go it alone or will take over somebody else. And, as the carrier continues to gain financial altitude after coming out of bankruptcy, Anderson said. "We have to maintain sustainable revenue growth and sustainable profitability.”
Anderson also said the carrier must always be vigilant about its balance sheet and operating costs. That means matching airfare sales and special deals. Of equal importance, he said, is regaining confidence among Delta's 48,000 employees that cuts in staff, pay and benefits are behind them. “Stability and security, we want to control our own destiny and we want our employees to have stability and to have prosperity in their careers at Delta,” said Anderson. Delta's flight plan now calls for substantial international growth with the airline setting its sights on China, Africa and the Middle East while containing costs, bettering service and keeping the carrier's customer base.
About Delta
Delta Air Lines and Delta Connection partners operate scheduled service to 311 destinations in 52 countries. With more than 60 new international routes added in the last year, Delta claims to international flights at a faster rate than any other major U.S. airline. Delta also claims it’s a leader across the Atlantic with flights to 32 trans-Atlantic destinations. To Latin America and the Caribbean, Delta offers more than 600 weekly flights to 58 destinations. Delta is a founding member of SkyTeam, a global airline alliance that provides customers with extensive worldwide destinations, flights, and services. Including its SkyTeam and worldwide codeshare partners, Delta offers flights to 462 worldwide destinations in 98 countries.
Aviation historians and enthusiasts will recall the Lockheed L-1011 was renowned for its state of the art design and features when it first took to the air in November 1970. This video sampling from Highball Production’s "Atlanta Hartsfield" DVD, features footage of Delta L-1011s in action.
Delta Air Lines ‘Stats & Facts’
Founded
1928, Monroe, LA
Headquarters
Atlanta, GA
2005 Revenue
16 billion
Employees
47,000+
Delta Daily Flights
1,534
Delta Connection Inc. Daily Flights
2,533
Daily Flights + Partners
6,795
Delta Destinations
461 worldwide destinations in 96 countries
SkyTeam Alliance
Aeroflot
AeroMexico
Air France
Alitalia
Continental Airlines
CSA Czech Airlines
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
Korean Air
Northwest Airlines
Codeshare Partners
Alaska Airlines
Avianca
China Airlines
China Southern
El Al Israel Airlines
Major U.S. Hubs
Atlanta
Cincinnati
New York (JFK)
Salt Lake City
Major International Gateways
Atlanta to Europe and Latin America
Cincinnati to Europe and Latin America
Los Angeles to the Pacific
New York (JFK) to Europe and beyond
