Delta International Media Summit

Fifty journalists from all over the world jetted into Atlanta last week for Delta Air Lines well organised International Media Summit.  A 15-hour non-stop flight from Dubai set the record.  The event coincided with the opening of Atlanta’s new Concourse F (see elsewhere in this issue).

Delta Chief Executive Richard Anderson, for may years a stalwart at Continental, introduced the briefings.  Richard joined Delta in 2007 and led the very successful buyout of Northwest Airlines, with the integration now essentially complete.  Mr Anderson emphasized teamwork as being one of the major factors in the airline's success.  Last year Delta carried 163m passengers and made profits of US$800m+ at a load factor of 82%.  It currently employs 75,000 staff and has a fleet of around 740 aircraft.

Asked about fleet renewal Mr Anderson said that there was an ongoing monitoring of the situation but the airline was not interested in being a lead carrier for a new type (787).  He ruled out the Airbus A380 saying that it was not for Delta and asked about airline mergers with emphasis on American, he dismissed the question with a sharp “no discussion”.  Regarding international service (40% of the business in money terms), origination is split 50/50 from either end. www.delta.com

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