As a former airlines manager and currently the Chairman of MyAeroSatu, I am amazed that in 2026, Ed Bastian marked 10 years as CEO of Delta Airlines. He leads a global workforce of more than 100,000 employees building the world's premier international airline, powered by a customer-focused culture and spirit of innovation. A nearly 30-year Delta veteran, Ed has been a critical leader in Delta's long-term strategy of transforming the air travel experience with innovative investments in technology, aircraft, airport facilities, and Delta competence employees worldwide. Throughout his decades on Delta's leadership team, Ed has steered the company through some of the most tough and challenging periods of its history, including 9/11, bankruptcy & the COVID-19 pandemics.
Ed has expended Delta's position as the world's most reliable airline while growing its global footprint and enhancing the customer experience in the air and on the ground. He is a champion for putting Delta's shared values of honesty, integrity, respect, perseverance and servant leadership at the core of every decision. During his tenure as CEO, Delta has become America's most awarded airline, frequently recognized for operational performance, and as a top employer. Delta has held the no. 1 ranking in the Points Guy Best Airlines Report for 8 consecutive years.
I can recall when asked to sum up his job in just five words, Ed's response is: “Take care of your people.” The answer reflects his leadership philosophy, which is based on the “virtuous circle” - if you take care of your people, they take care of your customers, whose business and loyalty will benefit your shareholders. Ed's people-focused leadership has been internationally recognized with numerous honors including the TIME100 Most Influential People in the World, Baron's Top 25 CEOs; Wings Club Distinguished Achievement Award 2026 & Yale Legend in Leadership award.
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