Good News for Delta and its Travelers!
Dear Valued Customer,
I'm delighted to be one of the first to tell you that we successfully emerged from Chapter 11 on Monday, April 30 after improving almost every aspect of our airline ahead of schedule. We trust that you are also delighted in this news, as the faith and loyalty you and your customers have shown helped us seal the deal. Delta used the Chapter 11 process to completely transform every aspect of our business to provide a better future for Delta people, our new shareholders, our customers and the communities we are privileged to serve. Among our goals over the last 19 months was to create a better travel experience for you and to rededicate ourselves to customer service. During an incredibly short amount of time Delta people:
• Completed a comprehensive transformation plan one year ahead of schedule, delivering $3 billion in annual cost and revenue improvements and creating a best-in-class unit cost structure that will position us to go head-to-head with our competitors.
• Repaired our balance sheet, now generating positive free cash flow for the first time since 1998 and reporting an annual operating profit for the first time since 2000.
• Strengthened our global network with 76 new cities (46 international; 30 domestic) added to the Delta network in two years, all while continuing to increase unit revenues.
• Became the world's leading carrier in destinations served with Delta and Delta Connection service to more than 300 worldwide destinations.
• Became the world's leading carrier between the US and trans-Atlantic markets with 36 destinations planned by the end of this year.
• Created a differentiated customer service experience, with award-winning service and enhancements at every customer touch point.
• Maintained top-tier operational performance — with a focus on running a safe, clean and on-time airline.
• Reignited the spirit of Delta people worldwide — preserving pensions where we could and giving Delta people a stake in the company with significant upsides when the company meets its performance goals.
These phenomenal accomplishments are only realized through the dedication, hard work and passion of the best team in the industry — our Delta people. And our 500 Global Sales & Distribution professionals are ready to embrace your business like never before. While our eyes are on the future, everything we do today reflects the efforts of a long-line of employees who built this nearly 78-years-young company dedicated to delivering superior customer service. We also owe much to you — our customers — for entrusting us with your travel needs. Without you there would be no need to take off 4,100 times a day around the world. We're looking forward to serving you for at least another 78 years.
Pam Elledge
Vice President Global Sales & Distribution
Delta Air Lines, Inc.